Friday, November 28, 2008

lost and found



Most days we walk our dogs. It's good for them and good for us. If hubby and I are both home, we walk them together. It's a time when we discuss so many things since we are just out there walking and enjoying nature's wonders. We live in a mountain area with lots of undeveloped wooded areas around us. The place we walk has a little stream to the side and hills on both sides. We occasionally see quail or coyotes. We regularly see squirrels and lots of birds. The dogs love it. Up until today the most exciting things we've found are pretty rocks and little treasures that we use in our arts & crafts.

At one point today, Mabel, the hero of our story began barking madly. She barks at other dogs (usually bigger ones)and when the doorbell rings. Neither of those things had occured. So, we looked around and saw a little boy on the hillside past the creek. He looked to be playing, so we walked on. There are lots of kids in our area, so we didn't think much of it. A few minutes later on our way back we noticed the boy sitting down, crying. After talking with him we found out he was lost. We never would have seen him at all if Mabel hadn't barked.

Hubby reassured him that we would help him and that he was a police officer. We walked the little guy around to the neighboring houses and cabins and he didn't recognize anything. He was visiting from out of town and was only 6 years old. We brought him home and hubby called the sheriff's. They kept him on the phone until they got here. Kyle and I entertained our frightened young guest with Mickey Mouse videos and milk and cookies. Fortunately, his family finally did call the sherriff's to report him missing. When they did, the deputies told them that he was safe and they took him home.

If you ever lose a child, call 911 immediately. Those first few moments are critical. Most people look for the child before calling. I can think of two other times children went missing here in our mountains and were never found. I'm so glad we were able to play a part in giving this family a happy ending.

9 comments:

Cindi said...

Tami, I still think you were meant to find this child, thank God for a happy ending for this family. one more thing for us all to be thankful for .

Anonymous said...

and thank god YOU guys were the ones to find him...well done!

K Hutchinson said...

I am a true believe in everything happens for a reason! God is funny that way of putting us in situations we might not understand until later or ever. So glad this had a Happy Ending! You, Curtis and Kyle are a wonderful kind and caring family! I have been working with the boys on 911 stuff- I guess I was meant to read this! HUGS!

thimbles bobbins paper and ink said...

Hurray for Mabel too! I hope she got an extra hug, pat and treat for her heroic deed. And Tami, to you and your hubby, you are heros too. What true heros you all are. A lot of people would have looked the other way and figured the child was just out playing and not have taken the time to find out.

Your story gave me goosebumps, and warm fuzzies as well.

Big hugs to you all!

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful Thanksgiving story! So glad it had such a good ending!

Lesa said...

Dogs are wonderful beings. And so are humans. LOL So glad there was a happy ending and your family was part of that happy ending. Hugs

Sherri Thacker said...

So glad you guys were the ones who found him. What a great Thanksgiving!!

Mardi said...

Thank goodness you found that little guy!

Thanh Vo said...

Oh my, you heroes! So glad to hear of this