They say every second counts, and K9 officer Mary Lou proved it to be true.
This remarkable Bloodhound, partnered with Deputy Sarah Ernstes from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office in Florida, showed just how powerful her tracking skills when it was needed the most.
When the office received a report of a missing child, Deputy Ernstes and her team quickly mobilized, with Mary Lou leading the way. Within hours, the devoted K9 brought hope back to a worried community.
A Talent That Saves Lives
Deputy Ernstes, her colleagues, and Mary Lou immediately responded to the call about the 11-year-old girl who had gone missing in Wimauma, Florida. Guided by her handler, the determined Bloodhound followed the girl’s scent without hesitation.
The search first led them to a neighbor’s house, but there they learned she had been given a ride to an apartment complex nearby.
From there, Mary Lou steered the team toward a local park, where her instincts kicked in even stronger.
She suddenly began wagging her tail near one of the park bathrooms. According to Deputy Ernstes, Mary Lou only reacts this way when she senses someone close by, and this time, her signal was right on target.
Moments later, officers realized they had found the spot they were searching for.
The Sweetest Ending To A Rescue
A video shared by HCSO captured the moment Mary Lou wrapped up another successful mission.
“Our units headed to that location, where K9 Mary Lou was able to alert our deputies to a locked bathroom door at a park in the area,” HCSO wrote on Facebook.
After gently speaking to the child, Deputy Ernstes reassured her that she was safe. The girl finally unlocked the door, and what happened next melted hearts.
Mary Lou’s joy was unmistakable. Once Deputy Ernstes confirmed the child wasn’t afraid of dogs, she let her partner “do her thing.”
The loyal Bloodhound leaned in and planted a kiss right on the girl’s face, showering her with affection as if celebrating the victory herself. It’s her signature way of ending a mission, and once again, she kept the tradition alive.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office expressed their pride in the work of both their deputies and Mary Lou.
“With their exceptional skills, they successfully located and brought home a missing 11-year-old girl, reuniting her safely with her family. I couldn’t be prouder of our team’s commitment to service and determination to protect and serve,” HCSO wrote in a Facebook post.
Mary Lou has long been known for her extraordinary talent, and in this case, she proved once more that her nose and her heart make her one of the most remarkable K9s around.