A toddler, lost overnight in the woods, with only a t-shirt to protect her from 30-degree weather, isn’t the kind of story that usually ends well. But it did for three-year-old Victoria. Thanks to her Queensland heeler named Blue.

“We have to give a lot of credit to Blue,” said Kim Rayfield, the girl’s aunt. “He pretty much stayed with her all night.”

Or maybe we should call him Lassie?

Victoria wandered away from her Cordes Lake home and got lost in the nearby mountains. She was off to find the family’s other dog, Rusty, who she mistakenly thought was lost. Not long after, her parents noticed her missing.

Some 15 hours later, she was discovered by searchers in a Department of Public Safety helicopter. They found her lying on the ground, face down. She had been lying amid the brush and rocks, with her feet frostbitten and her body in scratches. Blue was right at her side. The dog had been keeping her alert and warm all night.

At first, Blue seemed apprehensive, protective of Victoria, according to the newspaper. But then she smiled and Blue relaxed.

“I think once the dog realized we were there to help them out, he was very excited,” Department of Public Safety pilot Matthew Uhl said.

Victoria was treated for mild frostbite on her feet and was kept overnight for observation. She is expected to be fine.

Welcome back, Victoria! And great job, Blue!

Source: The Arizona Republic