Police officers in Louisville, Kentucky, who were searching for a missing 3-year-old got help from an unexpected hero: a neighborhood dog, who helped lead them to the missing boy.
The search and rescue effort, carried out by the Louisville Metro Police Department in early January, and the real-life Lassie moment were captured on body camera footage, which the department later released on social media to highlight the surprising heroics.
Officers said they were canvassing the area after a child was reported missing and stopped to speak with a neighbor who said the child rang her doorbell earlier in the day before running off.
"It wasn't the same description, but it was a young kid who hit her Ring doorbell camera and ran off," Louisville Metro Police Department 7th Division officer Josh Thompson told ABC News. "She immediately said 'He's across the street.'"
As officers expanded their search, Thompson said a friendly dog approached them, and as it moved toward a nearby house, they followed.
According to Thompson, the dog guided police into a backyard.
"Officer Story followed the dog, I went around to check the garage," Thompson said, referring to his fellow LMPD officer. "And the next thing I heard was Officer Story yell, 'I got the kid!'"
Thompson said the boy was found in the front passenger seat of an SUV and appeared relieved when officers opened the door.
"I pulled that door open quickly, and I don't think I've ever seen a happier kid in my life," he said.
The child, who police said was shaken but unharmed, was then reunited with his family.
Thompson added that the dog's unexpected assistance was a gift.
"I don't know where the dog came from, but it was a blessing from God that day,” he said.
