Greymouth woman Jess Johnston and Molly the border collie are happy to be reunited after a week-long ordeal and two dramatic rescues.
A little over a week ago the duo were out adventuring in remote alpine country behind Hokitika, something they often did together, when Ms Johnson fell more than 50m over a waterfall.
The 27-year-old was flown out by rescue helicopter and taken to hospital in Christchurch.
During the rescue, Molly became separated from her and spent over a week lost in the wilderness.
While Mr Newton had sent her a text message to say Molly had been found, Ms Johnston, who is still recovering from her own injuries, said the news did not sink in properly until she was about to be reunited with her dog.
‘‘We took her to the vet to get her checked out and it wasn’t until we got home that I just fell apart.’’
‘‘I still can’t get over how crazy it’s been - just strangers who have reached out and all the support,’’ Ms Johnston said yesterday of the massive media interest in their story.
‘‘She’s the most loyal dog ever ... We’ve got a real good bond. Life feels normal again with us both here.
‘‘I was really petrified of what life could have been like without her.’’
