Neighborhood Dog Helps Police Find Missing 3-Year-Old in Louisville

An untrained dog in Louisville, Kentucky, played a critical role in locating a missing child, leading officers to the child's location.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In January, a search for a missing 3-year-old in Louisville, Kentucky, ended successfully thanks to an unlikely hero - an untrained neighborhood dog. The dog, now being called "Louisville's Lassie", led police officers to the backyard of a home where the child was found safe in an SUV. The dog was not commanded or trained, but simply moved with purpose to guide the officers to the child's location.

Why it matters

This heartwarming story highlights the incredible capabilities of animals and the special bond they can have with their communities. The dog's actions saved a child's life and demonstrate the potential for untrained animals to assist in emergency situations when human resources are limited.

The details

According to Louisville Metro Police, the dog helped officers locate the missing 3-year-old on a cold January day. The police used various search methods including on-foot searches, a drone, and an air unit, but it was the unexpected appearance of the dog that led them directly to the child's location. The dog guided the officer to a backyard where the child was found safe, but terrified, inside an SUV.

  • In January, the search for the missing 3-year-old took place.
  • The dog led police to the child's location on a cold January day.

The players

Louisville's Lassie

An untrained neighborhood dog in Louisville, Kentucky, who played a critical role in locating a missing 3-year-old child.

Louisville Metro Police

The police department that utilized various search methods, including the help of the neighborhood dog, to find the missing child.

Sean Calloway

A neighbor in the Louisville neighborhood who praised the dog's heroic actions.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'You a good boy,'”

— Sean Calloway, Neighbor (WLKY)

“'You're a hero,'”

— Sean Calloway, Neighbor (WLKY)

“'Anytime you have a kid that young, you're fearful,'”

— Louisville Metro Police Officer (WLKY)

“'As I'm walking to the front, the craziest thing happened. A dog starts walking with me,'”

— Louisville Metro Police Officer (WLKY)

“'That's God working through that animal,'”

— Sean Calloway, Neighbor (WLKY)

What’s next

The Louisville Metro Police Department is considering ways to formally recognize the neighborhood dog's heroic actions.

The takeaway

This heartwarming story demonstrates the incredible capabilities of animals and the special bonds they can have with their communities. The dog's instinctive actions in guiding police to the missing child's location highlight the potential for untrained animals to assist in emergency situations when human resources are limited.