A frantic search across Studland Heath in Dorset for a missing dog ended happily when Ozzie, a one-year-old Spaniel, was rescued after spending the night stranded on a small island at Little Sea.
Ozzie vanished during an evening walk on Thursday 9 October 2025 with his owners, Alison Reynolds and her son Sam, along with their other dog Woody.
Community rallies in late-night search
Despite hours of searching with help from friends and passers-by, only Woody reappeared the following morning, leaving Ozzie still missing.
As concern grew, more people joined the effort, posting appeals on social media. A breakthrough came when a woman reported hearing a dog crying from the swampy lake area.
Multi-agency response saves the day
Swanage Coastguard was first on scene, later joined by Poole Coastguard and Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service. Firefighters used a raft to reach Ozzie, who was safely returned to his relieved owners.
Alison praised the teams for their professionalism and kindness, admitting she had hesitated to call emergency services but was “overwhelmed” by their response.
Ozzie, exhausted but unharmed, has since recovered at home. Officials reminded the public: “Always call 999 and ask for the coastguard, safety must come first.”
