DJ the miracle flood dog found after being lost in floodwaters for three nights

A tired but happy DJ the dog surrounded by his owner and rescuers after being found safe. (Supplied)

Australians watched on in dismay as a dog fell into floodwaters during an emergency rescue on the NSW North Coast, with the heartbreaking moment he was left behind broadcast on live TV. 

There was little hope of DJ the border collie surviving three nights alone in floodwaters at Bungawalbin, but he has miraculously now been reunited with his overjoyed owners.

Strangers led a social media campaign to find the pooch and a volunteer came to owner Mark O'Toole's aid.

After a six-hour mission using a jet ski and a boat, DJ was rescued — along with 10 other dogs and six cats.

Mr O'Toole said he felt little hope that DJ would be found alive, but had to try to find the dog for his daughters.

"As we got further out I thought, 'Oh God, I've wasted these people's time. How are we going to find anything out here?'" he said.

A man is airlifted from floodwaters by the army in northern NSW

The miracle moment

"I was outside yelling for DJ and after half an hour we thought we heard a dog howling," Mr O'Toole said.

"I was up to my chest in water looking. I'd actually given up, when I had a feeling and looked to my right.

The beloved pet "did not stop smiling" from the moment he was rescued, despite being exhausted and starving after his three-day ordeal. (Supplied)

The miraculous discovery was made even sweeter when Mr O'Toole reunited the dog with his teen daughters in Lismore.

"When I got back to town with him my daughters were covered in mud because they'd been helping clean up houses in town," he said.

"The look on their faces [when they saw DJ] was gold.

"I broke down when we were at the house seeing everything gone, especially my kids' things.

A gut-wrenching fall

Mr O'Toole, his family, and an elderly neighbour were being rescued from their rooftop by an ADF helicopter when the dog fell into the water.

The border collie on the boat before he fell into floodwaters and disappeared in the middle of an ADF helicopter rescue. (Supplied)

"I was running around trying to find him when the chopper pilot told me we had to go.

"Do I stay or do I go? I was worried about my daughters' dog, but I thought if they lose me it's worse."

Hope in the disaster

The family was heartbroken for days until a neighbour reported seeing DJ, prompting the vigorous search.

DJ is reunited with his owner Mark O'Toole (in fluoro) and pictured with the three strangers who helped. (Supplied)

Mr O'Toole said during the search they saw at least 80 dead cows and horses.

But he is determined to now help others and save as many people and animals as possible.

"There are more people and animals to be found. It gives people the encouragement to keep going and keep trying."

Mr O'Toole said he and his family have lost everything but each other — and DJ.

They are living in a house with 18 others in Lismore and, like so many in the devastated town, are struggling to get food and clean water.

Ten other dogs and six cats were also rescued and brought back to safety by speedboat. (Supplied)