My dog Frankie and I are regular hikers and had planned to walk to the Ketemaringi Trig in the Pureora Forest for lunch and return to the car.

I had checked out the track and knew it was well within our capabilities.

It was -2 degrees when we started, heading for a high of 10-12 degrees. We walked through 4wd track then entered the bush. After walking for about an hour and going around some fallen trees, I couldn’t pick up the track again. I was able to work out where we were and get a compass bearing to get us back on track.

I unclipped Frankie from my waist so she could run freely trailing her longline. She came back to check in as usual, then did not come, and despite having a strong recall she did not appear.

As I went to look for her, I probably searched and called for around 2 hours in total. Realizing how disorientated it was, and what the time was – I was fast running out of light to safely navigate myself out. I had to make the awful decision to leave her and get help.

I found a spot with phone coverage and called 111, told them I wasn’t injured and had dry clothes, food, and water. They advised me to activate my ResQLink 400 PLB. I did at about 10 to 4 then hunkered down and waited.

SAR made contact with me (via blowing whistles) at 10:15pm and we walked 2 ½ hours out. I felt at ease, aside from being troubled about Frankie. I had full confidence in my PLB and knew they would get to me as soon as they could. (And I knew Frankie would do her best too).

The amazing team that rescued me impressed me with their recognition of how well-prepared I had been.

I never considered or appreciated the time it took from activation of a PLB to contact from the SAR Team.  The teams that came to me were awesome, they made me feel safe and comfortable after six hours alone.

Best news is that after a week of searching for her, Frankie walked out in better condition than any of us were  ❤️