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Dog sticks by missing toddler

Australian shepherd leads searchers to boy.

By Vetstreet Dec 4, 2012 3:29PM

Ashepoo, an Australian shepherd, never leaves 2-year-old Peyton Myrick’s side. So, when the toddler wandered off into the woods in South Carolina last week while his grandfather was taking care of him, it was the loyal dog who saved him.

Photo: CNN // Ashepoo, an Australian Shepherd, stayed by Peyton Myrick's side while he was missing in the woods.Hundreds of people helped Peyton’s terrified family search for the boy for four hours. At about 8:30 p.m., when it had become dark and cold, neighbors combing the area spotted Ashepoo, who led them behind a barn — and straight to the little boy, who was safe and asleep on his jacket.

Ashepoo had stayed by the boy’s side the whole time.

"If a dog can be a hero, that dog's a hero," said Peyton’s father, Rich Myrick. — Watch it at CNN

Photo: CNN // Ashepoo, an Australian Shepherd, stayed by Peyton Myrick's side while he was missing in the woods.

Bing: More animal hero stories.

More from Vetstreet:
10 most popular puppy names of 2012
Dog reunited with owner after 7 years
Why does my cat… bite me when I pet her?
What do animals see in the mirror?
Video: Baby elephant takes adorable first steps

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7Comments
Dec 4, 2012 11:46PM
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Ashapoo is a Border Collie, no an Australian Shepherd.

Dec 5, 2012 12:41AM
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Not quite.  Lassie would have had to fight a bear, cross a raging river, fend off a mountain lion, survive a broken leg, and endure all this without getting dirty and having nothing to eat for a week.
Dec 5, 2012 1:01AM
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Gramps needs a stern scolding, to say the least, for letting a toddler wander off.
Dec 5, 2012 1:36AM
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that dog is an angel the bond between pets and owners is great
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