Known as the “Drone Ranger”, Michael Parziale uses a fleet of drones to search areas that would otherwise be difficult to cover on foot, spotting animals from above and helping reunite them with their worried owners. His efforts have included searches for dogs and cats, along with at least one rather unexpected runaway: a cow. The 64-year-old says his U.S.A.R. Drone Team has grown into a much larger operation than simply flying drones in his spare time. The nonprofit also works with military veterans, helping train them in drone technology and skills that can potentially be used in other industries. One rescue in particular shows just how effective the technology can be. After a 5-month-old puppy named Shade went missing in South Jersey on a freezing February night, her family spent more than a day searching without success. Parziale was eventually called in, and after launching his thermal-equipped drone, he managed to locate the missing puppy in just 41 minutes. Shade was eventually found curled up in a wooded area, cold but safe, bringing an exhausting search to a happy end for her family. It’s the kind of outcome Parziale has now helped deliver time and again across New Jersey with his 18 drones. Parziale’s story is a welcome reminder that technology doesn’t always have to make life more complicated. Sometimes, it can simply help bring a missing pet home. With more than 120 animals already reunited with their families, the “Drone Ranger” has certainly found a pretty heartwarming way to put his skills to good use.
