01/13/2026
As the sun went down, our role in Wesley’s story was supposed to be simple—help set a live trap. Two other drone teams had already located him earlier, but Wesley wasn’t ready to be caught. He kept his distance, staying just out of reach.
We arrived after dark and launched the drone to confirm his location and find the best place to set the trap. Wesley was there, laying down below some pines, still unsure of the people searching for him.
Not long after, we learned the foster parents were on their way for an attempt to rescue Wesley. Using the drone, we guided them in Wesley’s direction. When they got close, Wesley took off, running a few hundred yards ahead, just as he had done before.
Then everything changed.
In the middle of the chase, Wesley heard something familiar—the voices he knew. He stopped. Turned. And suddenly ran back toward them.
In that moment, fear gave way to trust.
Wesley was finally ready to go home to a familiar voice.
Other drone operators on scene were Rob Krull and Dean with MuckDogs LLC
