Amber, the dog returns home after 100-mile trip and a swim

Amber, a five-year-old retriever cross, has captured the hearts of a community and the internet after surviving an extraordinary 36-day adventure across southern England—a journey that saw her travel roughly 100 miles and swim a mile to a wildlife sanctuary island before her dramatic rescue at sea.

Her story began on April 25, 2025, just one day after arriving at a foster home in England’s New Forest. Amber, who was rescued as a stray in Qatar and brought to the UK by the charity KS Rescue Angels, escaped from the garden despite an 8-foot-high fence. Sam Collins, co-founder of the charity, described the moment: “She was placed with a seasoned foster family, but the next morning, she was gone.” The local community rallied, sharing news of her disappearance on social media and reporting sightings that helped track her movements.

For the first three weeks, Amber roamed within about 10 miles of her foster home, but sightings then became sporadic. “We always felt one step behind her,” Collins recalled. Around the four-week mark, Amber’s trail led to Poole, a seaside town 30 miles away. There, locals spotted a stray dog, later believed to be Amber, before she disappeared again. Her most remarkable feat came next: she swam a mile from the affluent Sandbanks area to Brownsea Island, a wildlife sanctuary managed by the National Trust, where dogs are usually not allowed.

On Brownsea, Amber was nourished by a resident for three days, but when rescuers approached, she became frightened and attempted to swim back, only to struggle against strong currents. Fortunately, a passing boat crew spotted her clinging to their ladder. “She gripped the ladder so tightly, they couldn’t pull her up,” Collins said. A crew member jumped in to help, and Amber was finally safe.

After a veterinary check revealed she had lost weight but was otherwise healthy, Amber returned to her foster family. “She’s been quite fatigued but very affectionate,” Collins shared. The family now keeps her on multiple leads to prevent another escape. Collins added, “We must ensure her future home provides a five-star environment and understands she is a flight risk.” The story has inspired many, with adoption inquiries pouring in—a testament to Amber’s resilience and the power of community support.