Family Dog Stays by Missing Toddler's Side

Family Dog Stays by Missing Toddler’s Side

Police are crediting a loyal family dog for saving the life of a 22-month-old boy who went missing last Friday night.

According to the DailyMail.co.uk, Tyler Jacobson spent 12 hours in a bitterly cold, wooded area of Elgin, S.C., wearing only a T-shirt and diaper. The Jacobsons’ Labrador mix stayed by the little boy’s side throughout the night.

Jacobson’s mother told police she thought he was going to get some juice. Police launched a search with dog teams and helicopters Friday night, but called off the search in the early hours of Saturday morning. By then, the temperature had dropped to 40 degrees.

According to Fox News, police resumed their search Saturday morning. They found Jacobson and the dog about a quarter-mile from a neighbor’s home.

“I think the dog wanted to make sure the boy was all right,” said Chief Marvin Brown from the Kershaw County sheriff’s office. “We found the boy and the dog was right there with him. The dog went missing the same time the boy did.”

Police reported that the heat from the dog kept the boy warm, but may also have prevented the infrared-equipped helicopter from spotting the missing child.

The boy suffered minor scrapes but is otherwise fine. He was examined by emergency personnel and taken to a clinic for evaluation.

Jacobson’s father is serving in the U.S. Army, but is on his way home after all the drama. Brown said South Carolina’s Department of Social Services (DDS) found the boy’s living conditions “deplorable.”

“We know that DSS is looking into the family right now,” said Brown.

In the meantime, mother and son are just happy to be reunited.

PHOTO: Mattis Janitz

Amelia LeRutte

Amelia Lerutte is a public relations and social media expert, and a pack leader to a couple derpy Boston Terriers, a lovable Leonburger and a Keeshound. When not writing or promoting the i Love Dogs brand, Amelia is an avid NHL fan, ice hockey player and video gamer.