Thanks to the efforts of a Florida police officer and his loyal canine companion, Midnight, a missing toddler has been safely reunited with his family.
The mother of the toddler contacted the City of Deland Police Department when her three-year-old son wandered into the woods behind their home. Police Corporal Damon Clark responded to the call and accompanied by Midnight, headed into the dense forest after having the dog sniff the boy’s blanket. Remarkably, Midnight was able to locate the child in less than an hour.
“He was pulling me forcefully through the woods, as if he had no intention of stopping,” Officer Clark revealed to News 4.
Officer Clark mentioned that the toddler was known for frequently venturing into the forest to play. However, on this specific day, he strayed deeper into the dense foliage and became disoriented. Fortunately, he had his tablet with him, so he found a spot to sit and kept himself entertained while the K9 unit conducted their search.
The Florida Police Dog Has Succesfully Located Five Missing Persons
Midnight returned to the home and sniffed the blanket multiple times until finally discovering the whereabouts of the missing boy. Surprisingly, the entire search lasted only 45 minutes, and thankfully, the boy was found safe and sound.
“We were on the ground for about 45 minutes, but it felt like an eternity as we were being dragged through the woods behind the dog,” he shared.
Officer Clark explained that the dog reached the boy faster than he did due to obstacles like vines, trees, and shrubbery that hindered his progress. When Officer Clark finally arrived at the scene, he witnessed the dog affectionately licking the little boy’s face, showing its concern and care.
During their career, the police dog and his human partner have successfully located five missing persons, as reported by Fox News. Their remarkable track record boasts a flawless 100% success rate.
“I’m the one holding the leash, so he takes care of everything,” he explained to News 4. “My role is simply to observe and interpret his body language, you know, and comprehend what he’s trying to communicate. Because, clearly, he can’t speak.”
Officer Clark wanted to show his appreciation for Midnight’s excellent work, so he decided to reward him with his favorite toys – tennis balls. Additionally, Officer Clark treated Midnight to a delicious hamburger as a special treat.