What a lucky little boy - a Great Pyrenees kept him warm

[malaise]

http://www.fox2now.com/ktvi-childers-hospital-release-05092009,0,5400420.story
<snip>
The three-year-old, who was rescued after two nights in the woods near his home, has been released from the hospital. Joshua Childers went missing from his Madison County, Missouri home on Monday and was lost in the Mark Twain National Forest for nearly three full days. The preschooler waived and blew kisses to reporters and photographers gathered outside of the hospital as he was released Saturday afternoon. .

Doctors call Joshua's survival miraculous. Doctor Steven Crawford thinks the family's pet may have helped keep him alive for two nights in the deep woods, "The family had a Great Pyrenees that disappeared when he did and reappeared after he was found. They said it was about 125 pounds so one of our initial concerns was how can a 35 pound child stay alive in forty degree weather in the rain for two nights and three days. That may be the answer and he was telling about being with the dog at night so rather remarkable I would say."

Joshua's dad, Adam, says his son couldn't be doing any better and is ready to be home.
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http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/05/07/earlyshow/main4997891.shtml
<snip>
Halpin had wandered away from his search party because he said he was tired, and saw some dogs in the woods, wondered why they were there, and followed them.

That's when he saw the boy lying still in the woods.

"I said, 'Hey, buddy,'" Halpin said. "And that little feller just sit right up, gets a little smile on his face and I asked him, 'Do you want to go home?'"

And Joshua Childers did want to go home.
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What a lovely Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww story

Childers is in good condition. He's recovering from insect bites and hypothermia.

gr.

[babylonsister]

1. We used to havre a Great Pyrenees; they'd keep anyone warm!

Nice story.

[malaise]

4. Lovely story

Wonder if the family were less stressed knowing that the
dog was missing as well. A nice happy ending.

Guess the kid wasn't as scared either. Nice fluffy breed.

[GreenPartyVoter]

2. Goggies are great for that sort of thing. Luckily it wasn't a 3 dog night!

I would have died if my little ones had taken off like that. Gone right out of my mind.

[BlooInBloo]

3. :))))))))

[JanMichael]

5. OK, what is it with Missouri where the kids keep disappearing

and the dogs keep them warm?

Every story I read like this is from Missouri.

[rvablue]

6. The guy who found him said he saw "dogs" not "a dog" ???

I wonder if the Pyrenees called in reinforcements? :)

Nice that this story had a happy ending and no surprise man's best friend played a part!

[malaise]

8. I noticed that too but the kid mentioned 'dog'

Maybe the dog called his/her friends. :D

[malaise]

18. Here's a more detailed local report

http://www.bnd.com/breaking_news/story/763213.html
<snip>
The family's 125 pound Great Pyrenees dog disappeared right around the time Joshua did and reappeared at the family's home right after he was found. The doctor thinks the dog was with Joshua the whole time. And that's what kept him alive.

When Joshua was found he was with two other dogs. The family thinks those dogs may have scared the family pet away.

"He was telling about being with the dog at night," Crawford said. "One of our initial concerns was how can a 35 pound child stay alive two nights in the rain, 40 degree temperatures. That may be the answer."

[Fumesucker]

7. Good dog, lucky boy, heartwarming story.. n/t

[alphafemale]

9. If he were mine that dog would get steak every day for life.

"Who's da Gud Dawgie?"
"YEW'S da Gud Dawgie!"
"Es Um's IS!
"Oh! Es Em's IS!"

:loveya:

[malaise]

16. LOL

I doubt if these folks can afford steak most days for themselves.

[Shell Beau]

10. That is so beautiful. Not only are they one of the most beautiful dog breeds ever,

they are obviously protectors (like most dogs). I love dogs! I am so happy for that little boy, his family, and I am so proud of that dog.

[malaise]

17. It sure had a great end

That's a cute kid in your photo - love the sunglasses.

[Shell Beau]

20. Thanks! She is my doll!

:)

[Berry Cool]

11. That's one dog that will never be in the doghouse again!

From now on, it's the sweet life for him! What a great story.

[dgibby]

12. Lucky little boy.

Pyrs are bred to be watchdogs. They are placed with the flock (usually sheep) when they are weaned, about 6wks old. They are very loyal to their "litter mates" and fend off any and all predators. Border collies herd the sheep and Pyrs guard them. They make a great team!

[Vidar]

13. Great story. Great dog.

[Voice for Peace]

14. beautiful breed

[malaise]

15. Gorgeous

Warm, fuzzy and loyal.

I so want to see a photo of hero dog.

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

19. Touching story

These dogs (well, except for the ones ruined by the AKC) are bred to protect the flock.

[applegrove]

21. I love Great Pyrenees !

[malaise]

22. Here's a nice link with video

http://fortheloveofthedogblog.com/news-updates/dog-a-lifesaver-for-toddler-missing-3-days-video#more-3939