Dog Leads Kentucky Police to Missing 3-Year-Old

Louisville officers credit the canine with reuniting the worried family

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A 3-year-old boy went missing in Louisville, Kentucky, prompting a neighborhood search effort. But it was a dog who ultimately led police to the child, who was found safe inside a parked car. The Louisville Metro Police Department praised the officers and the "four-legged friend" for the successful rescue.

Why it matters

Missing child cases are always high-stakes situations that require quick action and coordination. This story highlights the important role that community members and even animals can play in assisting law enforcement to locate a missing person, especially a young child.

The details

Officers with the Louisville Metro Police Department were dispatched on January 7 after the 3-year-old boy was reported missing. They searched on foot, with a drone, and an air unit, but eventually learned a nearby resident had seen the child ringing her doorbell and running off. Following up, the woman said the boy had gone to another house in the neighborhood. As an officer was approaching that home, a dog started walking with him and then ran back to the car in the driveway, leading the officer to find the missing boy safe inside.

  • On January 7, the 3-year-old boy was reported missing in Louisville, Kentucky.
  • The neighborhood search effort took place in the following hours on the same day.

The players

Louisville Metro Police Department

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

Josh Thompson

A Louisville Metro Police Officer who was involved in the search and described the dog leading him to the missing boy.

Jonathan Story

A Louisville Metro Police Officer who followed the dog to the car where the missing boy was found.

Unidentified dog

A neighborhood dog that unexpectedly joined the search and ultimately led police to the missing 3-year-old boy.

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What they’re saying

“Anytime you have a kid that young [go missing], you know, you're fearful. In that situation, when there's a missing kid under the age of 11, if you aren't on a run actively, everyone goes to it.”

— Josh Thompson, Louisville Metro Police Officer (WDKY)

“As I'm walking to the front, the craziest thing happens, there's a dog that starts walking with me. I'm like, 'Hey, let's go find this kid,' and the dog immediately spins, runs off the front porch and is leading me back to the backyard of this house.”

— Josh Thompson, Louisville Metro Police Officer (WDKY)

“The next thing I heard was Story yell, 'He's right here, I got him.'”

— Josh Thompson, Louisville Metro Police Officer (WDKY)

“I don't think I ever seen a happier kid in my life. He jumped at the car, bear-hugged my neck, and wouldn't let go.”

— Josh Thompson, Louisville Metro Police Officer (WDKY)

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

— Josh Thompson, Louisville Metro Police Officer (WDKY)

What’s next

The Louisville Metro Police Department will likely review the incident to identify any lessons learned that could improve their response to future missing child cases.

The takeaway

This heartwarming story demonstrates the power of community and the unexpected heroes that can emerge in high-stakes situations. The quick-thinking officers and the mysterious dog's intervention highlight the importance of vigilance and collaboration when a child's safety is at risk.