Wholesome Doggo Saves Owners' Autistic Son After He Gets Lost in the Dark and Never Leaves His Side, Until Rescuers Find Them 3 Hours Later

Author image for Blake Seidel
Blake Seidel • Managing Editor & Brand Manager
Jun 6, 2024 1:00 PM EDT

Hey, dog parents and hooman parents alike. We know what your worst fear is - it's losing one of your children. We know that because it's our fear as well. Whether it's your doggo dashing out the front door or suddenly realizing that your child isn't where you thought they were, we can't imagine something scarier than that. Well, that happened to this poor family below. They woke up in the middle of the night to find their autistic son not in his bed, and their doggo also not in his normal sleeping place.

They called the authorities and got a search party, including a helicopter, to search their property. Three hours and a lot of stress later, they were luckily spotted together almost three miles away from their property. The wholesome guardian doggo, appropriately named "Gandalf", never left the boy's side and waited with him until they were rescued. Gandalf deserves all the treats in the world - what a good boy! Read the whole story below and some awwdorable pictures of the heroic dog.

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  • 01
    My dog saved my son's life
    via u/Lizzy_Lovegood
  • 02
    Cheezburger Image 10356543744
    via u/Lizzy_Lovegood

    Gandalf! What a great name for this doggo - and appropriate as well. Gandalf was a guide to the Hobbits, as well as someone with great determination and dedication to the betterment of others. Just like this doggo!

  • 03
    Cheezburger Image 10356545280
    via u/Lizzy_Lovegood
  • 04
    Story time! My family and I live on a very large property in the middle of nowhere. We have 2 large ponds, livestock, and enough open space for cows to graze (few hundred acres). Our eldest son is autistic and mostly nonverbal, aside from sign language and some phrases he can verbally speak aloud. He is very smart and independent but has his limits with people, and has always had a special connection with our dog,
    via u/Lizzy_Lovegood
  • 05
    Gandalf. Something about their friendship just has never needed spoken words. Around 3 am last night, my husband got up to use the restroom and noticed our front door was open and our son wasn't in bed. Our dog sleeps outside on our porch and was also missing. Trying to be calm on the phone with 911, describing everything about them both while police officers along with family and friends search, and a helicopter over
    via u/Lizzy_Lovegood

    We don't know what we would do in this situation - our partner would definitely have to be the one on the phone with them because we would be absolutely hysterical. Like, barely-forming-sentences hysterical. 

  • 06
    our land while I lose my mind living my worst nightmare. Over 3 hours later, we get a call that a boy and a big white dog have been spotted 2.5 miles from our house on the road near a corn field. He got lost in the dark and couldn't find his way home. Gandalf never left my sons side and stood his ground until my husband and I could get there, then fell to our feet with relief →
    via u/Lizzy_Lovegood
  • 07
    Thankfully other than some scrapes and bruises, our son is ok and Gandalf only suffered some over exertion from the distance. I'm so grateful to everyone who helped, but I just wanted to make a special appreciation post to my best friend and protector to my kids, Gandalf. I don't know how much danger you kept him from out there, or just how afraid he would have been without you.
    via u/Lizzy_Lovegood
  • 08
    But I know you never left him alone, so thank you. THANK YOU (We've installed new interior/exterior security measures and purchased an AirTag for Gandalf as well)
    via u/Lizzy_Lovegood
  • 09
    SasquatchGroomer ⚫ 8 hr. ago Keep in mind that an air tag can only report it's location if it's within 200' of an iPhone.
    via u/SasquatchGroomer
  • 10
    JMR3898 8 hr. ago What a good boi :')
    via u/JMR3898
  • 11
    Lizzy_Lovegood OP. 6 hr. ago edited 6 hr. ago Once he woke from the deepest beauty rest he needed, he definitely got all the treats and love
    via u/Lizzy_Lovegood
  • 12
    DaysOfParadise · 7 hr. ago So glad they stuck together! As your son gets bigger, and Gandalf gets older, you might consider working with Autism Anchoring Dogs. I know Kirsten, and she does solid work.
    via u/DaysOfParadise
  • 13
    andywfu86 7 hr. ago Achievement unlocked: permanent good boi status
    via u/andywfu86
  • 14
    Prof_SnapesFartSlave 7 hr. ago Literally crying... this is incredible. Ma
    via u/Prof_SnapesFartSlave
  • 15
    MikesRockafellersubs⚫ 7 hr. ago A true guardian! Please give your lovely Gandalf a hug (or just a pet if he prefers) on our behalf.
    via u/MikesRockafellersubs
  • 16
    ConsiderationShoddy8. 7 hr. ago no doubt Gandalf was with your sweet, smart, curious boy every step of the way!!!! What an incredible event - you must be exhausted! Thank you for sharing! They're the best dogs! 66
    via u/ConsiderationShoddy8
  • 17
    Carson72701 - 7 hr. ago This made my day, thanks for sharing!
    via u/Carson72701
  • 18
    IWillBaconSlap You 5 hr. ago • Oh my god, THREE HOURS you waited to find out where your child was, I am so sorry, I'm having a little mini heart attack just picturing that. Three hours in the middle of the night A helicopter!!! I feel like I'm going to vicariously puke. GOOD BOY GANDALF!!! Man these dogs rule.
    via u/IWillBaconSlap
  • 19
    Lizzy_Lovegood OP 5 hr. ago The 911 dispatcher stayed on the line with me the entire time just trying to get all the info I could give and keep me calm, and the hardest part was just letting everyone do their job while I listened for the sound of my son in the wind. When the sun was rising and still nothing I really thought I was going to die from heartbreak. I've never felt anything like this before, and I'm so proud of Gandalf and my son for being so brave
    via u/Lizzy_Lovegood
  • 20
    koko2377 7 hr. ago If you need to look for your son, as it could be that he has some concerns with wandering behaviors, reach out to your local sheriff's office. I know that in my state, they have programs that can help with tracking wanderers from ages 2-100+.
    via u/koko2377
  • 21
    FuzzzyRam 5 hr. ago Looks like he came back as gandalf the grey
    via u/FuzzzyRam
  • 22
    Animal_Gal 7 hr. ago I'm so glad everyone was okay in the end
    via u/Animal_Gal
  • 23
    cornsuep 7 hr. ago What a lovely ending to a scary beginning!! I'm so glad to hear your son and Gandalf are back home safe! This story put a smile on my face and Gandalf deserves all the love and scratches for being such a good boy!!
    via u/cornsuep
  • 24
    Throwaway113742 - 3 hr. ago I have no idea why this post came up as a recommendation to me. But please take a minute to take care of yourself today. Make sure your husband does too. I can't imagine the horror and terror you all felt last night. That good boy also deserves some seriously good treats. I can tell how much you love and care for your children and dogs, thank you. Keep being a good person.
    via u/Throwaway113742
  • 25
    MathematicianEven149 5 hr. ago Perfect name! I love these dogs! Such loyal protectors! I can't imagine going thru this kind of terrifying situation and I'm so happy to hear it worked out in the best way ever. Your son has his best friend! So happy for all this! ♥Gandalf would love a steak - just sayin. ;) fed to him by his bestie!
    via u/MathematicianEven149

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Tags

aww wholesome bond dogs cute dogs adorable autism cute rescue story doggo dark protect animals son rescue
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