We all know that heroes come in so many shapes and sizes. And sometimes? They’re even covered in fur.
If you’re a dog lover, you already know how incredible they are. They’re loyal, they love unconditionally, and they are the ultimate companion. That’s why they’re called man’s best friend after all.
A 17-year-old blue heeler named Max is one of those loyal and loving companions. The deaf and partly blind senior dog is being given credit for saving the life of a 3-year-old little girl named Aurora in Queensland, Australia.
Wearing just a t-shirt and lightweight pants, Aurora wandered off into the Australian bushland with Max – however, it wasn’t long before she was lost.
When Aurora’s family realized she was missing, a frantic search began that involved the entire community. Local police forces, as well as neighbors, rallied to search for the 3-year-old. The search lasted for nearly 15 hours and the weather was anything but ideal – cold and rainy. But over 100 people were on the move looking for the little girl.
Aurora’s grandmother, Leisa Bennett, was part of the search party that lasted well into the night. As she wandered around in the bushland, her ears perked when she heard her granddaughter’s voice.
“I shot up the mountain, and when I got to the top, the dog came to me and led me straight to her,” Bennett told a local news station.
The search party followed Max to the top of a steep hill where they found Aurora – scared and cold but otherwise in good health.
“With the weather last night it’s quite lucky she is well because it was … cold and raining,” he told ABC. “She’s a very hardy young lass to survive that without any ill effects and everyone, all the volunteers, are extremely happy.”
Even though Max is old, deaf, and can hardly see, the sweet blue heeler stayed with Aurora all through the night, making sure she stayed warm. Not to mention, leading the rescue and search team right to her.
“He never left her sight. She smelled of dog, she slept with the dog.” Leisa Bennet explained.
After the entire ordeal was said and done, Aurora was safe and Max was declared an honorary police dog by the Queensland Police Department.
The police department shared photos of Max on their Twitter account, along with the caption:
“SUCH A GOOD BOY, MAX! He stayed with his 3-year-old human who was lost near Warwick last night while we frantically searched for her. For keeping her safe, you’re now an honorary police dog.”
SUCH A GOOD BOY, MAX! He stayed with his 3-year-old human who was lost near Warwick last night while we frantically searched for her. For keeping her safe, you're now an honorary police dog. 🐶https://t.co/QiszGFP4gg via @ABCNews pic.twitter.com/xxRc6ndeaK
— Queensland Police (@QldPolice) April 21, 2018
Of course, once the story was shared online and news spread of Max’s honorary title, the internet absolutely loved it!
“Considering he’s deaf and partially blind, let’s score him a 1000/10,” commented Twitter user @marvelheim.
“This 17 year old, partially blind, and deaf dog is the toughest and most beautiful being on the planet. I’m in awe of him,” said @JudgeYouHarshly.
“What did we ever do to deserve dogs…God bless him, sweet boy,” posted @HandDrawnWorld_
We’d have to agree that Max is a pretty incredible dog. We’re so happy both he and Aurora are now safe at home.
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
You may remember Max from such news stories as "3yo girl found safe, guarded by family dog" and "Dog hailed hero for keeping lost girl safe"…
Well today, Max officially became Queensland's first ever honorary police dog. STILL SUCH A GOOD BOY! 😍
More: https://t.co/1YslFe2jhO pic.twitter.com/xLGxg3fG0q
— Queensland Police (@QldPolice) May 1, 2018
