WATCH: Loyal Dog Cares For Missing 2-Year-Old Lost In Forest
When 2-year-old Dante Berry wandered out of his home and into the Australian bush he was lucky to have his faithful dog, Dasher, at his side to survive the long, rainy night.
According to Yahoo News, Berry left his front yard in Mildura, Australia, on Tuesday around 8:30 p.m. with his German Shepherd at his side.
Berry's parents, who claim that the little boy often wanders away from the house, immediately called authorities when they couldn't find him. Over 100 people helped the frantic couple look for their missing son, but no one found any clues as to his whereabouts that night.
The next morning, around 8:30 a.m., Berry's diaper was found -- covered in paw prints -- about a mile and a half into the state forest near his residence.
"From our information he's renowned for pulling off his nappies," Senior Sergeant Stephen Phelan told the Herald Sun.
The diaper was the essential clue police needed to uncover the little boy's whereabouts.
Police followed what they believed to be Berry's path into the forest, when suddenly Dasher ran up to them barking and lead authorities to the crying toddler. Berry, who was wearing only a long-sleeve t-shirt, had wandered two miles from his home.
Dante's pet dog Dasher was found in bushland with the toddler. Picture: Attila Szilvasi
"He had very grubby feet and legs," Senior Constable Carol Rigby told the Herald Sun. "I was a bit surprised that he was in as good a condition as he was."
She added, "There was a bit of rain overnight and some thunderstorms, which must have been a bit nerve-racking for the child, but he was in pretty good nick considering."
Sgt. Phelan said that with the thunderstorms, Berry "picked one of the worst nights to go missing."
According to the Adelaide Now, by studying the footprints police confirmed that Berry and Dasher had been together the whole night, walking in circles. They were missing for a total of 14 hours.
Dante Berry with his mum Bianca Chapman after being found safe about 3km from his home in Mildura. Picture: Attila Szilvasi
Source: News Limited
Berry's family released a statement saying how grateful they are to the officials who found their little boy and to their loyal dog who stayed with him: "We were happy, but not surprised, to learn that his faithful dog, Dasher, stayed by his side and was also found safe and well."
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VIDEO Missing boy found safe and well
Berry could not have been lost with a better companion. Dasher would have been reassuringly constantly by his side and kept him warm through the cold night. What a dog!!!
Right on! mans best friend :D
HE IS ALLOWED TO WANDER OFF THEIR PROPERTY DON'T THYE REALIZE HE CAN GET KILLED ITS DANGEROUS IN THE AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK ESPECIALLY FOR A LITTLE 2 YEAR OLD BOY DOG BY HIS SIDE OR NOT HOW STUPID CAN HTE PARENTS BE??? IF THAT WAS IN THE USA THE PARENTS WOULD BE INVESTIGATED AND THROWN IN JAIL
If it had been in the USA the barking dog running up to cops probably would have been shot first.
What was the mother doing when her little boy ran off with the pet German Shepherd? It could have resulted in a more serious outcome being in a storm and standing on some prickles.The dog was a better supervisor of the little child and he is a true "HERO!" The young mother's negligent actions must of made her feel embarrassed as well as guilty,that she couldn't even look at the cameras. Three cheers for dogs!!!...I have five of them and three are German Shepherds...:)
Child or adult you are never lost and alone when you have the Lord's Guardian Angel at your side!
I can only pray that this mother wakes up and realizes how blessed she is in that this dog helped to save her son! I hope she watches over her little boy and never is that irresponsible again.
Happy to see Berry and Dasher were found safe.I know children can wander off so quickly.Thank God the little guy had his dog with him.
thank you God, this is why people should stop treating little kids like they know everything, they don't, so watch out parents this should be you lesson