A truck driver and his lost dog in Missouri have been reunited, thanks to a drone operator and a dedicated team.

What happened: Earlier this spring, the driver made a stop in Strafford, Missouri, where his dog, Buddy, ran off to play in the snow and didn’t return. Unable to stay and search, the driver had to head to Joplin without him.

• Charlie Barnes, who saw the missing dog post on a Facebook page, took action. With the help of a drone operator, they found Buddy's tracks behind a barn.
• They set out food and a trap for Buddy, and within seven hours, managed to safely catch him.

The reunion: Buddy was driven to Joplin, where he joyfully reunited with his owner. The successful rescue was a team effort, with the drone proving essential in locating Buddy quickly, according to KY3 News.

The role of technology: The drone operator, Nick Fuchs, highlighted the drone's ability to cover large areas swiftly, which was key in finding Buddy.

The story has since gone viral, highlighting the power of community support and technology in reuniting pets with their owners.

The team behind the rescue is planning to expand their efforts with more equipment to help more lost pets in the future.