Lost Dog Swims a Mile and Walks 100 Miles to Make Her Way Back Home

Tyrolead June 28, 2025
lost dog


From the Streets of Qatar to the Shores of England

Amber’s story isn’t just about a lost dog — it’s about survival, instinct, and heart. The five-year-old rescue pup, originally saved from the streets of Qatar, arrived in the UK with the hope of a fresh start. But just one day after landing in England and settling into her foster home in the New Forest, Amber bolted — and that’s where her incredible journey began.

Despite the foster family’s secure garden with 8-foot-high fences, Amber found a way out on April 26. What followed was a month-long, 100-mile adventure across southern England, culminating in a mile-long swim to a protected island and a dramatic sea rescue.

As soon as Amber disappeared, the not-for-profit rescue organization KS Rescue Angels jumped into action. Their co-founder, Sam Collins, said that they immediately posted alerts on social media and shared Amber’s story across local communities.

For the first three weeks, Amber didn’t stray far, staying within about a 10-mile radius of her escape point but constantly moving. The rescue team placed cameras and food stations in areas where she was spotted, but she always stayed one step ahead.

Then, around the fourth week, all sightings stopped. Collins feared the worst, but Amber wasn’t lost. She was on her way to the coast.

A Swim to Safety

Amber had traveled 30 miles to the seaside town of Poole. Though some locals saw her, the distance from her original location made it hard to connect the dots. But Amber wasn’t done surprising everyone. She made an unbelievable swim — about a mile from the upscale Sandbanks area to the nature sanctuary of Brownsea Island.

Dogs aren’t allowed on Brownsea, but Amber didn’t know that. She spent three days hiding out, being fed by a kind resident and tracked by National Trust workers. Eventually, the commotion likely frightened her, and she tried to swim back to the mainland.

That’s when she got caught in the strong tide.

A Dramatic Rescue at Sea

Luckily, a boat spotted her struggling in the water. In an amazing moment, Amber swam up and clung to the boat’s ladder, her paws gripping tight. The crew couldn’t pull her up without help, so one of them jumped in and gently pushed her from behind.

Once back on land, her photo made its way to Sam Collins, who immediately recognized the scar on Amber’s nose. Soon, Amber was on her way back to her foster family.

Back Where She Belongs

Despite being tired, underweight, and slightly bruised, Amber was in “remarkable condition” after such a harrowing journey. A vet checked her over and cleared her to return home.

“She’s very snuggly and sleeping a lot,” Collins said. “But she’s safe.”

Amber now lives with added precautions — two or three leads at all times while outside — and a foster family that loves her dearly. While she’s not yet adopted, interest has skyrocketed thanks to her story. Still, KS Rescue Angels is taking it slow to ensure she finds the perfect, permanent home.

The Road Ahead

Amber’s 100-mile journey is one of grit, resilience, and love. It’s a reminder of how deeply animals feel, how far they’ll go when scared, and how strong their will to survive really is.

With a new chance at life and a story that has touched hearts around the world, Amber’s next chapter is just beginning. And this time, she won’t have to run.

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