Hero Dog Stays by Missing 2-year-old's Side, Alerts Rescuers

Precocious 2-year-olds are a handful, to be certain. But Peyton Myrick isn't too much for the faithful family dog, Ashapoo, a black and white Australian Shepherd, to keep track of. Usually herding dogs have to work cattle all day, so what's a single toddler for a few hours?

The 2-year-old is quite active and apparently took off on 11/28/12 while his grandfather, Ernest, was getting the tractor ready to take the little boy out to select a Christmas tree. Ernest quickly called Peyton's father, Rich Myrick, who was at the pediatrician's office with his younger son. A Quick Response By the time Myrick arrived home with volunteers from the pediatrician's office, a search party had already been forming. Soon hundreds of neighbors and friends were scouring the 300-acre woods surrounding the home. Ashapoo and Peyton Myric. Almost five hours had passed with cool temperatures and darkness descending there in Clover,SC, when Ashapoo was spotted. She quickly led the members of the search party, specifically, Peyton's aunt, into the woods to where the boy lay sleeping on his jacket. A Natural Nursemaid Peyton's grandfather says Ashepoo has "always mothered the grandchildren. She treats them like they're her babies."  Peyton was then checked out by his pediatrician who found him to be unharmed and no worse for the wear. There is no doubt that Ashapoo is a hero, and she deserves a big treat! Watch this video for a closer look at how she watches over the boy, and it looks like he needs it! What a ornery, cute kid! Photos from wbtv.com.