In Faithorn, Michigan, a two-year-old girl who had wandered away from her home was found safe in a nearby forest, accompanied by her two family dogs. The toddler was discovered sleeping on one of the dogs, using it as a makeshift pillow, while the other dog stayed close by, according to state police.
The incident occurred in the remote, heavily forested region of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, known for its robust landscapes and proximity to three of the Great Lakes: Lakes Superior, Michigan, and Huron. The area’s dense woods and rugged terrain can pose significant challenges for search and rescue operations.
The toddler’s disappearance triggered a widespread search operation involving local police, Michigan state troopers, and concerned citizens from both Michigan and neighboring Wisconsin. The search teams utilized drones and police dogs to comb the expansive wooded area.
The Michigan state police’s Iron Mountain post received the call about the missing child around 8 p.m. on Wednesday. The toddler had reportedly wandered off from her home in the Faithorn area of Menominee County, a village located just east of the Wisconsin state line and about 60 miles southwest of Marquette, Michigan.
The search ended around midnight when a local resident, navigating the area on an ATV, found the girl approximately three miles from her home. Lt. Mark Giannunzio of the Michigan State Police described the incident as a “really remarkable story.”
Upon discovery, the toddler was examined by medical personnel and found to be in good health. The girl’s mother, Brooke Chase, expressed her relief and shock at the sudden disappearance and safe return of her daughter.
The incident underscores the importance of community involvement in emergency situations and the potential role pets can play in safeguarding their owners. The toddler’s safe return is a testament to the collective efforts of the local community and law enforcement, as well as the protective instincts of the family dogs.