Finding Dunkin: Lost Pet Reunification Ops
On the evening of February 2, 2026, a cold Michigan night turned into one of the most rewarding drone missions I've flown.
Around 10:00 PM, I received the call about a missing dog in Grand Blanc. Dunkin—a large, unaltered male brindle Mastiff (brown/black stripes, 80–100 pounds)—had been gone for about 4–5 hours. His owner had acted quickly, posting on multiple lost pet websites, local Facebook groups, and reaching out to neighbors. But with full darkness and temperatures plunging, ground searches were becoming limited.
A recommendation in the Grand Blanc Residents Uncensored Facebook group led them to RAPTOR UAV Solutions. After meeting the family, I set up at our launch point: 6434 S Dort Highway, Grand Blanc, MI 48439.
My setup was RAVEN 1—my DJI Matrice 4TD, equipped with high-resolution thermal imaging, the DJI AL1 spotlight, and DJI AS1 speaker. Thermal excels in these conditions, picking up heat signatures from large, dark-coated dogs that would be nearly invisible otherwise.
Weather that night was challenging but manageable: temperature 22°F (feels like 12°F), winds W/SW at 7–8 mph, visibility 4–6 miles, and ceiling 3000–7000 ft. The search area touched the outer edge of Flint Bishop Airport airspace, so I obtained FAA authorization in advance to fly legally and safely.
The flight ran about an hour. I started by scanning along Gibson Road and the areas between Porter Road and the takeoff zone—no luck. The thermal feed revealed other activity in the area: a small amounts of deer bedded down in a wooded patch, their bright heat signatures standing out sharply against the cold ground. Further along, I detected what appeared to be a coyote den—several smaller heat clusters near a burrow or thicket entrance, likely a family staying warm overnight. These wildlife sightings are typical in this semi-rural part of Michigan, and they highlight how effective thermal is for detecting any living heat source in low-light, freezing conditions.
Recent posts in the Grand Blanc Facebook groups have highlighted increased coyote activity in the Grand Blanc Rd and Dort Highway area, with residents reporting hearing packs howling in backyards and near fields—activity further confirmed by thermal drone sightings of coyote dens in nearby wooded patches during a February 2026 night flight over the region.
Keep an eye (and ear) out, especially after dark—Michigan's coyotes are thriving in suburban edges like this! 🐺
Pushing north and west of Dort Highway, the main target appeared: a strong, large heat signature in a fenced yard at three houses north of the owners home.
Visual confirmation showed the big blocky head and brindle markings matching Dunkin's description. I coordinating directly with Dunkin's owner's family who was on the line to help relay details and confirm the dog was secure.
The thermal signature led me to a securely fenced yard nearby. Earlier the dog's owner contacted the resident there directly, and provided the resident with owner's phone number, which helped tie everything together just before I wrapped up the flight. Somehow, Dunkin had ended up inside that fenced area—though it's hard to imagine how a dog his size could have gotten in without some assistance. In any case, the situation resolved perfectly.
The reunion was everything you'd hope for. Dunkin's family jumped the fence and carefully carried him over to safety over the fence. The family was in relieved and greatful—watching that scene unfold (and hearing the emotion over the phone) is exactly why I keep doing these searches. Despite the cold and the mystery of how he got there, it ended in the best possible way: a big, brindle gentle giant safe at home where he belongs.
Rookie mistake note:
I'd left my SD card in my DJI Air 3S (HARRIER 1) from an real estate gig—classic oversight—but RAVEN 1 was fully loaded and ready. Rectified that immediately and purchased an exclusive SD Card from Amazing (aka Amazon).
Big thanks to:
Dunkin's family for staying composed and helping coordinate.
The Grand Blanc Residents Uncensored community for the quick recommendation.
FAA for the airspace approval.
This mission shows thermal drone tech's power on cold nights—spotting pets, deer, coyote dens, and more when visibility is low and time is critical.
If your pet goes missing, act fast: post everywhere, contact local drone teams (thermal is a lifesaver at night for big or dark dogs), and don't lose hope. Tools like the Raven 1 - the Matrice 4TD with AL1 and AS1 can cover ground quickly and safely.
Dunkin is back home, likely snoring after his February adventure. Honored to have helped bring him back.
Fly safe, search smart.
🐾🚁