What a Good Boy: K-9 Hailed a Hero for Tracking Missing Boy

A police K-9 helped lead officers to a missing 13-year-old boy during a snowstorm in Gastonia, North Carolina, late Saturday, allowing emergency crews to find the child safely despite dangerous winter conditions, authorities said.

The Gastonia Police Department said on Facebook that K-9 Bo and his handler, Sgt. Rowland, were called in after the boy, who has special needs, left home on foot without proper clothing as snow and cold temperatures intensified.

Officers from multiple agencies established a search perimeter while the K-9 tracked the boy’s scent through the snow and darkness.

The child later wandered into the secured area and was spotted by Gaston Emergency Medical Services, who found him cold but unharmed.