Neighborhood Dog Leads Police to Missing 3-Year-Old Boy

The Louisville Metropolitan Police Department praised the heroic actions of a local dog that helped officers locate a missing child.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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When a 3-year-old boy went missing in Louisville, Kentucky, a neighborhood dog unexpectedly led police officers to the child, who was found safe inside a vehicle. The dog, referred to as "Lassie" by the officers, persistently guided the police to the backyard of a home where the boy was located, highlighting the remarkable abilities of animals to assist in search and rescue efforts.

Why it matters

This heartwarming story showcases the invaluable role that animals can play in community safety and the importance of being attentive to their behavior, especially in emergency situations. It also underscores the strong bond between humans and their animal companions and the potential for interspecies cooperation to help protect the most vulnerable members of society.

The details

According to the Louisville Metropolitan Police Department, the 3-year-old boy ran across the street from his house and disappeared. Officers quickly mobilized a search, involving multiple police vehicles, a helicopter, and a drone. While canvassing the neighborhood, an officer recalled a report from a local resident about seeing a child on her doorbell camera earlier that day. The officer followed up and was led by a neighborhood dog to the backyard of the home, where the boy was eventually found safe inside a vehicle, terrified but unharmed.

  • On January 7, the 3-year-old boy went missing in Louisville, Kentucky.
  • A couple of hours after the boy's disappearance, a local resident reported seeing a child on her doorbell camera, which prompted officers to investigate the home across the street.

The players

Louisville Metropolitan Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the report of the missing child and coordinated the successful search effort.

Lassie

The neighborhood dog that unexpectedly led the police officers to the location where the missing 3-year-old boy was found safe.

Officer Josh Thompson

A Louisville Metropolitan Police Department officer who recounted the events of the search and rescue operation, highlighting the dog's crucial role in locating the missing child.

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What they’re saying

“At first, you don't know about dogs. So, I'm kinda 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.”

— Officer Josh Thompson, Louisville Metropolitan Police Department Officer (EastIdahoNews.com)

“The kid was in the front passenger seat, terrified. I don't think I've ever seen a happier kid in my life. He jumped out of the car and bear-hugged my neck and wouldn't let go.”

— Officer Josh Thompson, Louisville Metropolitan Police Department Officer (EastIdahoNews.com)

What’s next

The Louisville Metropolitan Police Department will likely continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the child's disappearance and explore ways to further strengthen community engagement and emergency response protocols.

The takeaway

This heartwarming story serves as a powerful reminder of the remarkable abilities of animals to assist in search and rescue efforts and the importance of fostering strong bonds between humans and their animal companions to enhance community safety and well-being.