Introduction
A dog named Amber—new to the country, unfamiliar with the landscape, and barely bonded with humans—vanished into the wild just one day after arriving at her foster home. What followed was a breathtaking 36-day journey of survival. Amber crossed highways, fields, and forests, navigating miles of terrain alone. She slipped through the New Forest like a ghost, avoided every human trying to help her, and somehow found the strength to swim over a mile across Poole Harbour to reach the remote shores of Brownsea Island.
Along the way, hundreds of strangers—rescue volunteers, local residents, even ferry crews—worked together to bring Amber home. They set food stations, reviewed hours of camera footage, and tracked sightings in a community effort fueled by compassion and determination.
Amber’s story is not just about a runaway dog. It’s about survival against the odds. It’s about the instincts animals rely on when frightened and alone. And most of all, it’s about the kindness of strangers who refused to give up.
Today, you’ll explore Amber’s incredible journey—and what it teaches us about courage, empathy, and what it means to help when help is hard.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
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Summarize key facts from two news articles about Amber’s rescue.
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Identify themes of survival, instinct, and community compassion.
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Reflect on the emotional bond between humans and animals.
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Write an analytical essay about the role and value of pets in family life.
Reading Sources
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The Guardian – “What a girl!” Lost dog returns after swimming to island on 100-mile journey.
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/jun/03/lost-dog-amber-returns-after-swimming-to-island-on-100-mile-journey - People Magazine: “Missing Dog Reunites with Family After Astounding 100-Mile Journey, Including a Mile-Long Swim”
Link: people.com article - GreaterGood Blog: “Lost Dog Flees Foster Home and Swims 100 Miles Before Rescue At Sea”
Link: greatergood.com blog
Individual Student Tasks
1. Reading & Note-taking
Read the articles carefully. As you read, take notes on:
- The timeline of Amber’s disappearance and rescue.
- How her instincts and past as a street dog shaped her survival.
- How the community worked together to help her.
- Words or phrases that show compassion and perseverance.
2. Check for Understanding Questions
- On what date did Amber vanish from her foster home near Bramshaw in the New Forest?
- How many days was Amber missing before she was rescued?
- Approximately how many miles (or kilometres) did Amber travel during her disappearance?
- What significant geographical obstacle did Amber cross by swimming, and roughly how far was the swim?
- What was Amber’s origin before she arrived in the UK, and how might that have influenced her behaviour?
- What kind of terrain did Amber travel through (mention at least two different terrain types) during her journey?
- How many sightings of Amber were reported in the New Forest area, and what search tactics were used by volunteers?
- What phrase did rescuers use to describe Amber’s mindset during her time alone, and what did that imply about her behaviour around humans?
- After her rescue, what was noted about Amber’s condition and what precautions were being taken by her foster carers?
- What role did the community (volunteers, residents, ferry crew) play in Amber’s rescue, and what does this suggest about collective action in animal-rescue situations? (open-ended)
3. Mapping Task
Using an online or printed map of southern England, locate and label:
- Bramshaw (starting point)
- Poole Harbour
- Brownsea Island
Then, draw or describe Amber’s likely route. Briefly note the terrain types (forest, roads, coast) and what challenges she might have faced.
4. Reflective Writing Options (Choose One)
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Option A: Write a diary entry from Amber’s point of view, describing one day of her journey—her fears, instincts, and moments of hope.
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Option B: Write a thank-you letter from Amber or her rescuer to the community that helped her, describing the importance of compassion and persistence.
5. Essay Question (Main Writing Task)
Essay Prompt:
Losing a pet can feel like losing a member of the family. Drawing on Amber’s story and your own experiences or observations, write an essay exploring the emotional impact of losing a pet and the value pets hold within families.
In your essay, you should:
- Refer to Amber’s journey and how it affected both her and the humans involved.
- Explain why pets might play such a vital role in family life.
- Reflect on what this story teaches about empathy, loyalty, and emotional bonds.
(Approx. 500–600 words)
Optional Extension
Research another real-life animal rescue story and compare it with Amber’s. How do both stories illustrate the connection between humans and animals?