“We Don’t Deserve Dogs”: Missing Autistic Toddler Found In The Care Of His Family’s Dogs
One family from Ponce De Leon, Florida, has just experienced something that can scar your heart for life. Wednesday morning, their three-year-old boy, Marshal, went missing.
Not only did the toddler disappear wearing only his diaper, but Marshal’s also autistic and can’t speak, leaving his family even more worried about their chances to reunite with the boy. The only thing that gave them comfort was that he disappeared with Nala and Buckwheat, two loyal family dogs.
“We were panicked,” Marshal’s aunt Kayla Stewart told WJHG/WECP, adding that “all sorts of worst-case scenarios [were] running through their heads.”
Wednesday morning, a three-year-old boy went missing in Ponce De Leon, Florida
Image credits: Walton County Sheriff, Michael A. Adkinson, Jr.
Little Marshal is autistic and can’t speak, which could’ve made the search even more difficult
Image credits: Walton County Sheriff, Michael A. Adkinson, Jr.
But he was found later that same day, thanks to his loyal dogs
Image credits: Walton County Sheriff, Michael A. Adkinson, Jr.
Image credits: WJHG
Image credits: Walton County Sheriff, Michael A. Adkinson, Jr.
Both the neighbors, who quickly split up and searched the area, and the sheriff’s department, which posted about the case on Facebook, were trying to find the toddler. “Our expectations going into a search of that magnitude are always to get as many agency members on the ground as possible to aid in the search,” Corey Dobridnia, the Public Information Officer at the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, told Bored Panda. “Minutes are precious when it comes to the search of a child.”
Neigbor Carol Shelton saw the boy later that afternoon about a mile away from his home. And I wouldn’t even call it a miracle, rather, an outcome that Marshal’s very earthly guardian angels ensured. Throughout it all, Nala and Buckwheat were by the toddler’s side. “[His] dogs were right there with him,” the neighbor recalled. “[We’re] thankful that the pups kind of guided him along, I guess they kept him safe.”
Dobridnia said everyone at the Sheriff’s Office are grateful for the family friend who was able to locate the child, adding that one of their captains was able to bring the child back to his mother.
“Marshal was in good spirits when found. A little dirty from the walk through the woods, but unharmed and happy,” Dobridnia added. “Dogs are loyal creatures. I feel like they probably knew to stay with him when they saw he was alone. Their instincts kicked in. They stayed with the boy and watched over him until he was located.”
Marshal’s family were beyond happy to see their precious little boy back home safe. They were also very proud of their canine family members. “They’re doing their job,” the boy’s mom said.
Facebook was really to learn about the happy ending
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Share on FacebookThis article needs more photos of the dogs keeping him safe. All in all I'm glad this one turned out well, and the boy is safe.
He was lost when the dogs were keeping him safe. Who could have taken the photos!?
Load More Replies...Last week in Australia we had three Autistic kids missing at the same time, for all the people asking how could they get away from you, these kids are quick, nothing is ever done slowly, it's full speed all the time, turn your head to pick up your coffee off the table and in that half second the kid can be gone, and they keep going, shouting and calling will just keep them heading away from you. In Australia one was lost on a mountain with freezing temperatures over night, searchers were councilled to move quietly so as not to spook the child, he was eventually found the next day by a searcher just quietly walking through the dense forest singing the Thomas the Tank Engine theme. One of the others the kid was about to board an express train to the city 150Km away.
Was the searcher singing Thomas the Tank Engine or the kid?
Load More Replies...I wonder what comment Amy Noel Chavies Ellington was retracting (in a desperate plea to not lose her job).
We live out in the country and my 6 year old pops in and out of the house all day. A week or so back I was rocking his little brother when it dawned on me that I hadn't seen Liam in awhile. So I went outside real quick to check on him. He was NOWHERE. My heart immediately started racing. I searched the yard and the out buildings. Nothing. I yelled and yelled for him. No answer. I buckled little bro into the 4 wheeler and started driving the pasture. I looked for him for 45 mins. I was on the verge of calling the sheriff's department. I headed back toward the house so I could drive the gravel road as a last resort and there he was right there in the yard. I didn't know whether to hug him or strangle him. Turns out he followed the dog to a neighbor I had never met, invited himself into the bewildered woman's house and tried to invite himself to dinner. She finally talked him into a ride home. I went over to introduce myself and thank her. She was absolutely delightful, thank god.
Yikes! Scary time. Really glad he was fine. I'd always hug personally, tempting though the other is when the fear resides. However, I'm reacting to my own childhood to be honest where parental anger only frightened me and not the potential consequences of my actions. It meant that their message got lost and I felt resentful (brat!). Kiddies don't mean to scare and a good conversation with a boundary-based punishment that's appropriate to the 'crime' and hopefully the message goes in - but you know your little one the best. Some children live more in their heads and are more likely to wander and be distracted - he sounds a delightful little soul though.
Load More Replies...When my daughter was almost two , she woke up when I was in the shower . She walked outside trying to find me . I freaked out and ran outside looking for her . She was at the end of my street , with our German Sheperd standing in between my daughter and the street . That dog would NEVER leave the yard if she got out. Our other dog would break open the gate , and we'd come home sometimes and she'd be sitting on the front porch waiting for us . She was a good girl
Some did not know that there were two dogs, thrilled he is safe, such a beautiful little boy, perhaps more people will understand, how great dogs are, smart as they knew to stay with the boy, the dogs consider the boy as their own pup, seriously they do !!!
I bet he was never even frightened for a moment because his doggies were with him. God bless our puppers. ❤️
"leaving his family even more worried about their chances to reunite with the boy"...frankly, cut the sensationalism. This is a nice story about the loyalty of dogs, but it no a story about a missing child miraculously and unexpectedly being rescued.
If your child went missing, I bet your head would instantly play worst case scenarios. The first day of a missing child is crucial. Every hour that passes HALVES the chances of finding the kid alive. Don't underestimate the fear felt by the family.
Load More Replies...Praise god he is safe. Thank god he is safe. GOD, WHY DIDN'T YOU RETURN HIM HOME?
Never doubt the determination of a child. Our oldest was told he couldn't go to my grandparents house yet, that he needed to wait. Well, he didn't like that. So he took himself, his binky, caterpillar toy and sippy, and started walking. Scared ten years off my life. Thank God my grandparents live within sight and we live in the middle of nowhere. Because he was almost there before I could catch up!!
two dogs but in the heat of the moment details can get mixed up & inaccurately portrayed.
Load More Replies...Dog's have that wonderful ability alot Of us lack. They. Take us a t fàce value. Where was dad?
Great story, but did anyone else cringe when they saw the picture of little Marshall's hand on the bicycle wheel and very close to the open spokes as his father put them in a basket under the seat of a bicycle? I'm surprised that the police let that happen!
Yep. Fist thing I noticed. Scrolling the comments hoping somebody mentioned it. ....Chances are that photo is from a different day.
Load More Replies...I was helping my mom clean when they dropped a shelf on my arm, I blinked and when I opened my eyes my dog was immediately at my side. Another reason why we don't deserve dogs
When I was a very small child (story told to me) I wondered into the woods and the family dog followed me. I fell into the trough of pig slop and at 2/3 years old hadn’t the strength to get out. That dog pulled me out by my pants and howled and cried until someone came.
I have heard so many stories where dogs have protect and saved children in the past. Don't they say all hero's don't wear capes. Dogs are very smart loyal,loving and so darn cute❤
You mean police were involved in something with a happy ending? Shocking!
Yes, we do not deserve dogs, seeing how we have been treating the vast majority for thousands of years...
both the dog and boy are very strong and we really don't deserve dogs they are very loyal and can be very protective
My darling rescue pupper was trained as search-and-rescue dog. She spent her life finding lost people. It was her #1 priority, and her greatest achievement. She worked for fifteen years before retiring, and she passed away shortly after retiring. I miss her so much, but I know that she spent her whole life doing what she was good at. She rescued at least ten people who were lost in the woods. God Bless our dogs. ❤️
Just curious how a 3 yr old gets a mile down the road. He'll it would take me like 20 minutes to walk that far
They run. Then people probably didn't chance on the right direction he went immediately when they started searching. All these parents claiming they've never taken their eyes off their children - you slept didn't you? You never chatted with a friend and got distracted ever of course because you're perfect. Most parents will have had children that understood that they needed to stay near and THAT is more likely the reason nothing went wrong and not perfect vigilence. My friend had to lock her front door and hide the key when her special needs child realised he could get out while she was in the loo. A neuro-typical child of the same age would have known not to do that. Not easy when you can't explain or reason with them. It's easy to react with 'watch them better' but seems to me that most people will have been distracted at times with their children but because nothing went wrong they just don't realise it and won't remember it that way.
Load More Replies...Thank you Lord tht he was found safe with his guardian angels by his side☺
very impressive but you can also check here even more interesting here https://bit.ly/2Y9Lhbb
This article needs more photos of the dogs keeping him safe. All in all I'm glad this one turned out well, and the boy is safe.
He was lost when the dogs were keeping him safe. Who could have taken the photos!?
Load More Replies...Last week in Australia we had three Autistic kids missing at the same time, for all the people asking how could they get away from you, these kids are quick, nothing is ever done slowly, it's full speed all the time, turn your head to pick up your coffee off the table and in that half second the kid can be gone, and they keep going, shouting and calling will just keep them heading away from you. In Australia one was lost on a mountain with freezing temperatures over night, searchers were councilled to move quietly so as not to spook the child, he was eventually found the next day by a searcher just quietly walking through the dense forest singing the Thomas the Tank Engine theme. One of the others the kid was about to board an express train to the city 150Km away.
Was the searcher singing Thomas the Tank Engine or the kid?
Load More Replies...I wonder what comment Amy Noel Chavies Ellington was retracting (in a desperate plea to not lose her job).
We live out in the country and my 6 year old pops in and out of the house all day. A week or so back I was rocking his little brother when it dawned on me that I hadn't seen Liam in awhile. So I went outside real quick to check on him. He was NOWHERE. My heart immediately started racing. I searched the yard and the out buildings. Nothing. I yelled and yelled for him. No answer. I buckled little bro into the 4 wheeler and started driving the pasture. I looked for him for 45 mins. I was on the verge of calling the sheriff's department. I headed back toward the house so I could drive the gravel road as a last resort and there he was right there in the yard. I didn't know whether to hug him or strangle him. Turns out he followed the dog to a neighbor I had never met, invited himself into the bewildered woman's house and tried to invite himself to dinner. She finally talked him into a ride home. I went over to introduce myself and thank her. She was absolutely delightful, thank god.
Yikes! Scary time. Really glad he was fine. I'd always hug personally, tempting though the other is when the fear resides. However, I'm reacting to my own childhood to be honest where parental anger only frightened me and not the potential consequences of my actions. It meant that their message got lost and I felt resentful (brat!). Kiddies don't mean to scare and a good conversation with a boundary-based punishment that's appropriate to the 'crime' and hopefully the message goes in - but you know your little one the best. Some children live more in their heads and are more likely to wander and be distracted - he sounds a delightful little soul though.
Load More Replies...When my daughter was almost two , she woke up when I was in the shower . She walked outside trying to find me . I freaked out and ran outside looking for her . She was at the end of my street , with our German Sheperd standing in between my daughter and the street . That dog would NEVER leave the yard if she got out. Our other dog would break open the gate , and we'd come home sometimes and she'd be sitting on the front porch waiting for us . She was a good girl
Some did not know that there were two dogs, thrilled he is safe, such a beautiful little boy, perhaps more people will understand, how great dogs are, smart as they knew to stay with the boy, the dogs consider the boy as their own pup, seriously they do !!!
I bet he was never even frightened for a moment because his doggies were with him. God bless our puppers. ❤️
"leaving his family even more worried about their chances to reunite with the boy"...frankly, cut the sensationalism. This is a nice story about the loyalty of dogs, but it no a story about a missing child miraculously and unexpectedly being rescued.
If your child went missing, I bet your head would instantly play worst case scenarios. The first day of a missing child is crucial. Every hour that passes HALVES the chances of finding the kid alive. Don't underestimate the fear felt by the family.
Load More Replies...Praise god he is safe. Thank god he is safe. GOD, WHY DIDN'T YOU RETURN HIM HOME?
Never doubt the determination of a child. Our oldest was told he couldn't go to my grandparents house yet, that he needed to wait. Well, he didn't like that. So he took himself, his binky, caterpillar toy and sippy, and started walking. Scared ten years off my life. Thank God my grandparents live within sight and we live in the middle of nowhere. Because he was almost there before I could catch up!!
two dogs but in the heat of the moment details can get mixed up & inaccurately portrayed.
Load More Replies...Dog's have that wonderful ability alot Of us lack. They. Take us a t fàce value. Where was dad?
Great story, but did anyone else cringe when they saw the picture of little Marshall's hand on the bicycle wheel and very close to the open spokes as his father put them in a basket under the seat of a bicycle? I'm surprised that the police let that happen!
Yep. Fist thing I noticed. Scrolling the comments hoping somebody mentioned it. ....Chances are that photo is from a different day.
Load More Replies...I was helping my mom clean when they dropped a shelf on my arm, I blinked and when I opened my eyes my dog was immediately at my side. Another reason why we don't deserve dogs
When I was a very small child (story told to me) I wondered into the woods and the family dog followed me. I fell into the trough of pig slop and at 2/3 years old hadn’t the strength to get out. That dog pulled me out by my pants and howled and cried until someone came.
I have heard so many stories where dogs have protect and saved children in the past. Don't they say all hero's don't wear capes. Dogs are very smart loyal,loving and so darn cute❤
You mean police were involved in something with a happy ending? Shocking!
Yes, we do not deserve dogs, seeing how we have been treating the vast majority for thousands of years...
both the dog and boy are very strong and we really don't deserve dogs they are very loyal and can be very protective
My darling rescue pupper was trained as search-and-rescue dog. She spent her life finding lost people. It was her #1 priority, and her greatest achievement. She worked for fifteen years before retiring, and she passed away shortly after retiring. I miss her so much, but I know that she spent her whole life doing what she was good at. She rescued at least ten people who were lost in the woods. God Bless our dogs. ❤️
Just curious how a 3 yr old gets a mile down the road. He'll it would take me like 20 minutes to walk that far
They run. Then people probably didn't chance on the right direction he went immediately when they started searching. All these parents claiming they've never taken their eyes off their children - you slept didn't you? You never chatted with a friend and got distracted ever of course because you're perfect. Most parents will have had children that understood that they needed to stay near and THAT is more likely the reason nothing went wrong and not perfect vigilence. My friend had to lock her front door and hide the key when her special needs child realised he could get out while she was in the loo. A neuro-typical child of the same age would have known not to do that. Not easy when you can't explain or reason with them. It's easy to react with 'watch them better' but seems to me that most people will have been distracted at times with their children but because nothing went wrong they just don't realise it and won't remember it that way.
Load More Replies...Thank you Lord tht he was found safe with his guardian angels by his side☺
very impressive but you can also check here even more interesting here https://bit.ly/2Y9Lhbb
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