Hero Dogs - Blue

An Arizona toddler was found safe last week after spending a night lost in the woods near her home in Cordes Lakes.

Family and authorities searched the surrounding area for nearly 15 hours in temperatures that dropped into the 30s after the toddler was reported missing. Searchers spotted the 3-year old Victoria by helicopter the next morning. Next to her was one of the family dogs, a Queensland Heeler named Blue. When the rescue team landed Blue was reported to be very protective of Victoria, hesitant to let anyone near her. When the rescuers told her that they were going to bring her to her parents the child smiled and Blue relaxed and allowed them to load her into the helicopter. She was taken to the Children's Hospital to be treated for mild frostbite, but was otherwise deemed healthy. Blue is being hailed as a hero dog for staying with the toddler throughout the night, providing her with much needed warmth (the girl was found wearing little more than a t-shirt) and companionship.

"We have to give a lot of credit to Blue," Kim Rayfield, the girl's aunt said. "He stayed with her all night."

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