A family’s dog survived being hit by two cars and then being swept into a flooded river. Bear, a golden retriever, is now recovering at home.

The accident happened in Plainfield, Illinois, during a heavy storm. Bear was struck by two cars and vanished. The family searched for days as thunderstorms rolled through the area.

The turning point came on Sunday afternoon. Eric, a member of Bear’s family, heard barking across the DuPage River. He followed the sound and found Bear with his collar caught on a branch, neck-deep in rising water.

Eric swam out to reach him. Family members helped pull the dog to safety. The river was rising so fast that any animal could have drowned in it, one family member said.

Bear had a fever and infections from the ordeal. His fur was full of burrs and ticks. Vets say he is expected to make a full recovery.

The family calls it a miracle. Bear became famous overnight as neighbours followed the search on social media.