Neighborhood Dog Helps Police Find Missing 3-Year-Old Boy

The dog led officers to the child, who was found safe in a vehicle.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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A neighborhood dog in Louisville, Kentucky is being hailed as a hero for helping police locate a missing 3-year-old boy. The child had disappeared on a cold Saturday, prompting an extensive search by officers on foot, with a drone, and an air unit. It was a dog that ultimately led police to the boy, who was found terrified but unharmed in the passenger seat of a vehicle in a garage.

Why it matters

This heartwarming story highlights the important role animals can play in search and rescue efforts, as well as the relief felt by a community when a missing child is found safe. It also underscores the value of community engagement and vigilance in looking out for vulnerable members.

The details

According to the Louisville Metro Police Department, officers were searching for the 3-year-old boy when a dog approached Officer Josh Thompson and seemed to be leading him somewhere. The dog took the officer back to a house, where the back door was found open. The dog then led the officers to the garage, where they discovered the child unharmed in the passenger seat of a vehicle.

  • The child went missing on a cold Saturday.
  • Police were alerted and launched an extensive search on February 10, 2026.

The players

Officer Josh Thompson

A Louisville Metro Police Department officer who was part of the search team that located the missing child with the help of a neighborhood dog.

Louisville Metro Police Department

The law enforcement agency in Louisville, Kentucky that coordinated the search for the missing 3-year-old boy and praised the dog's role in finding him.

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What they’re saying

“I'm kind of being a little leery of the dog. He's barking, chirping at me a little bit, and then continues to follow me back to the front porch again to knock on the house again.”

— Officer Josh Thompson (wbal.com)

“Hey, let's go find this kid, and the dog ran off to the backyard.”

— Officer Josh Thompson (wbal.com)

“Outstanding work by our officers, and a four‑legged friend who reminded us that heroes come in all forms.”

— Louisville Metro Police Department (wbal.com)

“I don't know where the dog came from. But it was a blessing from God.”

— Officer (wbal.com)

What’s next

The Louisville Metro Police Department is investigating the circumstances surrounding the child's disappearance to ensure his safety and well-being.

The takeaway

This heartwarming story serves as a powerful reminder of the invaluable role animals can play in search and rescue efforts, and the relief felt by a community when a missing child is found safe. It highlights the importance of community engagement and vigilance in looking out for vulnerable members.