K-9 Bloodhound Finds Missing Boy In Arizona Desert With Help From His Socks

All K-9 Piper Needed Was a Pair of Socks

A young boy who went missing in Buckeye, Arizona, was found within just three hours — all thanks to the incredible tracking skills of K-9 Piper, a bloodhound with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.

According to deputies, the boy, who is autistic and non-verbal, had chased after his dog that evening and was last seen running toward Tonopah Salome Highway from the area. Responding officers quickly called in Piper to help with the search.

“The mom actually had a pair of socks that were in her purse that he was wearing earlier that day, and then as well as his car seat,” explained Maricopa County Sheriff’s Deputy Stephen Lopez. “So with that, I take the socks and the car seat, put them in a little bag with some gauze, and then that gauze will absorb the boy’s scent.”

The Sheriff’s Office shared bodycam video of the moment officers and K9 Piper found the boy and reunited him with his family.

Tracking scents in Arizona can be especially difficult due to the heat, which causes scents to burn off more quickly. But thanks to Piper’s exceptional nose, the team was able to locate the missing child swiftly. Officers noted that following a single scent trail is exactly what K-9 Piper is trained to do — and on that day, her training made all the difference.

“The rescue was aided by MCSO K9 Bloodhound Piper, whose tracking skills were crucial in finding the boy quickly,” The Sheriff’s Office wrote. “Thanks to the quick response and dedication of our deputies, the boy was found safe with his loyal dog by his side and reunited with his relieved family.