Most Loyal Pup Ever Makes Sure Lost Boy With Down Syndrome Stays Safe.

When it comes to faithful friends, you just can’t beat the companionship of a good dog.

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Jose Muñoz of Houston, Texas is just 5 years old, but he already has a new appreciation for the loyalty of his dog, Alejandro. Jose’s mother, Jasmine Martinez, says they lay down for a nap one recent afternoon. When she woke up, Jose was nowhere to be found.

The family’s 1-year-old German shepherd was also missing. They knew right away that the dog was with Jose, who has Down syndrome.

“Alejandro has always been a very overprotective dog since we got him, we got him when he was a baby,” said Jose’s sister, Samantha Muñoz. After searching their home for 20 to 30 minutes, the family called the police to report Jose missing.

Houston Police Department Sgt. Ricardo Salas sent authorities to find the boy. As they searched, they kept expanding the area in hopes that Jose would be found. They didn’t think a 5-year-old could get too far on foot, but they were wrong!

“I looked on the map and said, ‘This is a far way for the child to walk all the way over here,” said Sgt. Salas.

Jose was found about half a mile from his family’s home. He was walking on some train tracks, and his faithful dog was right by his side.

“The dog knew he had to go with him because he was doing something he was not supposed to do,” said Sgt. Salas.

Alejandro waited patiently as the cops checked Jose over and gave him some water. Incredibly, the boy was unharmed except for a few scrapes and bruises. All of the officers noticed how devoted Alejandro was to Jose.

“I sat the child in my patrol unit so he could get some AC, and I looked back and the dog jumped in the patrol car,” said Sgt. Salas.

Back at home, Jose’s family was grateful to have him back, and thankful for Alejandro for keeping him safe! Jasmine says she will be installing child protective locks on their doors so Jose can’t wander off again. Let’s hope they give Alejandro lots of treats and belly rubs for being such a great protector, too!

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