A dedicated police officer, who proudly identifies as a “dog guy,” combined his instincts with the help of a local canine to successfully locate a missing 3-year-old boy in Kentucky.
On January 7th, the Louisville Metropolitan Police Department deployed a drone and helicopter, along with several officers, to search the area following a missing persons report. Officer Josh Thompson, along with his partner Officer Story, decided to explore the streets near the child’s home, reasoning that a young boy wouldn’t stray far.
As Officer Thompson approached the front door, an unexpected twist occurred. “The craziest thing happens: there’s a dog, and he starts walking with me,” Thompson recounted. Initially unsure of the dog’s origins and behavior, he noticed the pup was energetic and playful.
While he continued to knock on the door, Officer Thompson made a light-hearted gesture on his body cam, exclaiming, “let’s go find this kid.” To his surprise, the dog immediately turned around and began trotting back toward the direction Thompson had just come from, barking excitedly along the way. In a delightful moment, Thompson felt as if the dog was urging him to “hurry up,” showcasing the bond that formed in that urgent situation.
Returning to the back of the house, Officer Thompson sensed that the child was nearby. The dog led him to a parked car, where it sat down next to the back wheel. Officer Story then shouted out that they had found the child inside the vehicle.
Fortunately, the boy was safely locked inside, thanks to the child locks, and the officers guided him on how to open the door. When he finally emerged, he joyfully leaped into Officer Thompson’s arms, wrapping him in a bear hug and refusing to let go.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen a happier kid in my life,” Thompson expressed. “I don’t know where the dog came from, but it was a blessing from God that day.”
Interestingly, the origins of the heroic dog remain a mystery, as neither the police department nor the media could identify its owner.
Let’s celebrate this incredible story of teamwork between a devoted officer and a mysterious dog that led to the safe return of a lost child!
