A Rescue That Brought the KHRVR community Together

One year ago this week, a tense few hours unfolded at Keystone Heights RV Resort when Molly, a beloved 3-year-old, 24-pound Goldendoodle, found herself in danger.

During what began as a routine walk, something spooked Molly, causing her to break free from her owner’s grip. The retractable leash slipped from Curt Bender’s hand, and she bolted—dragging the leash behind her.

At first, she ran toward home, but by the time the Benders arrived, Molly was gone. Frantic, they began calling her name and searching nearby. That’s when a neighbor, Teresa Rodriguez, pointed toward the water’s edge.

“I saw her swim toward those trees,” she said, helping to narrow the search area.

Soon, the entire neighborhood was outside, calling for Molly.

Security was called and Jim Beck joined Mike Rodriguez and Douglas Turner, a fellow RV guest, in combing the wooded wetlands. As the search dragged on and darkness fell, Doug launched his drone in hopes of spotting Molly from the air.

Unfortunately, the drone proved unhelpful, and with daylight fading, the group agreed to pause the search. Still, no one could bring themselves to leave Molly out there alone.

Mike grabbed his headlamp and gun and prayed aloud:“Please, Jesus, help us find this sweet dog.”

Unbeknownst to him, the others also refused to quit.

They split up—Doug headed to the back of the island, Mike stayed nearby to assist if needed, and Jim pushed deeper into the woods. A wise move, as Mike later had to pull Jim out of the mud with water over three feet deep! Meanwhile, Curt Bender—Molly’s dad—continued searching the nearby construction zone.

After what seemed like hours, Mike noticed movement in the brush. Doug shone his light.

“I see something brown,” he said.

Then came the words they were all waiting for:“I see eyes!”

Jim plunged into the muddy water and reached Molly. She was wet, dirty, and shivering—but alive. As Jim unhooked the leash, Curt arrived on the scene, heart pounding.

“Is she okay?” he called into the darkness.

No response.

Shortly after, Jim emerged from the woods carrying Molly. Curt, wearing only flip-flops, ran through the muck to reach his dog. Tears flowed as relief washed over everyone.

Despite the long, arduous ordeal, the rescuers suffered only minor scrapes. Molly had a slight limp but was soon walking fine after four much-needed baths.

Looking back now, it’s hard not to notice how fortunate everyone was that the weather cooperated. With the unusually frigid Florida temperatures we’ve experienced this winter, the outcome could have been very different. Instead, mild conditions—and a community that refused to give up—made all the difference.

Thanks to the courage and determination of Jim, Mike, and Doug, what could have ended in heartbreak became a story of hope, faith, and quiet heroism.

As Susanne Bender, Molly’s mom, put it best:

If anyone ever has a question about living here at Keystone Heights RV Resort, let this story convince you—it is the best community.