Florida Police Dog Covers Toddler's Face in Kisses After Rescuing Him from Woods

At 11:30 AM on March 29 a toddler was reported missing to the DeLand Police Department in DeLand, Florida. K-9 Midnight and his handler Corporal Clark were on the scene to assist with finding the three-year-old who was presumed to be lost in a wooded area behind the family home.

This is an absolute nightmare scenario for any family, but the story ended in the best way possible.

The DeLand Police Department explained on Facebook that all available assets and resources were deployed and they conducted a massive search in the wooded area behind the family home. K-9 Midnight used the scent from the little boy's blanket to help him in the search. K-9 Midnight picked up the child’s scent on a trail, leading them to the toddler. Thank goodness the boy was unharmed!

Related: Maine Police Puppy Enjoying His First Pup Cup Is a Treat for Everyone

The best of this story was reported by WESH who explained, "Thankfully, the boy had his tablet, and he stayed in one spot, making it easier to track him down. When Midnight found him, he was very excited.

"By the time I got back there, he's licking the little boy's face, and he's all over the little boy," said Clark. "And he's looking back at me like, 'Hey, I got it. Here it is.'"

That's so typical of any kid that age, having his tablet with. And the fact Midnight was licking him just proves this brave dog is not only a trained professional, but also a therapy dog. How sweet!

I'm sure this family is so thankful to K-9 Midnight and Corporal Clark. What a heroic duo these two are.

Police dogs always conduct such amazing work and it's stories like these that make you realize what a truly important asset they are to law enforcement. I hope K-9 Midnight gots lots of treats and belly rubs as a reward.

What Goes In To Training a Police Dog

The US Department of Justice reports that the total average cost of a successful canine police program is $55,672.42.

Not only do these incredible dogs have to be trained for drug detection, but also how to perform search and rescue and how to help apprehend criminals.

Police dogs able to search through rubble after a devastating explosion, earthquake, or other disaster. They find people lost in avalanches. These dogs search for explosives and illegal drugs, they canvas large events to look for explosives, and help search civilian vehicles that have been pulled over.

Basic training for the patrol dogs takes approximately 4 months of full-time work, sometimes longer.

In addition to that, these amazing pups are like family both to the officers who work with them and their relatives.

One person posted on Facebook something that sums up my feelings perfectly, "I just wanted to say as a mother of three kids that are five three and one...... That dog is an absolute hero! He is a blessing and it is absolutely incredible what he did in saving that young boy."

Wonderful job and congratulations to you both!

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