Police in Florida say they found a missing 11-year-old girl with the help of an integral part of the team. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office searched for the unidentified child on January 26 but could not locate her until they employed the assistance of a K-9 unit.
Bodycam footage caught the incredible moment on camera. K-9 Mary Lu helped Deputy Sarah Ernstes find the girl and ultimately reunite her with her family.
More from CafeMom: Bodycam Video Shows Police Saving Toddler From Violent Attempted Drowning
Sheriff's deputies received a call about a missing child on Friday evening.
According to a press release from the sheriff's office posted on Facebook, deputies responded to a call in Wimauma related to a missing juvenile. The 11-year-old was considered endangered, so deputies quickly began their search, ultimately tracking the young girl to a neighbor's house.
Mary Lu quickly picked up her scent.
The neighbor reportedly told deputies they had taken the girl to a nearby apartment complex, per the sheriff's office. Mary Lu was able to use her incredible sense of smell to alert deputies to the child's location inside a locked park bathroom nearby. The video shows Mary Lu extremely excited as they approach the doors.
"She does have happy tail over here at these bathrooms, which she only does when she's close to somebody," Ernstes says in the video.
The deputy tries to coax the girl from the bathroom.
The public bathroom door is locked, so Ernstes does her best to encourage the 11-year-old to exit the bathroom. "It's me, a female deputy, my dog, and another deputy. You're not in trouble; we just need to talk to you," she reassures.
Thankfully, the young girl leaves the bathroom and is greeted by a very excited Mary Lu.
The sheriff's office lauded the team.
In the press release, Sheriff Chad Chronister explained the importance of having dogs like Mary Lu in the sheriff's office.
"Our teamHCSO K9 Unit has once again proven its invaluable role in our community. With their exceptional skills, they successfully located and brought home a missing 11-year-old girl, reuniting her safely with her family," he shared. "I couldn't be prouder of our team's commitment to service and determination to protect and serve."
More from CafeMom: K-9 Officer Dubbed a Hero After Finding Missing North Carolina Teen Who Ran Away From Home
Followers thanked the sheriff's office for its hard work.
The video impressed many people who were thrilled to see the young girl found safely.
"We don't deserve dogs," someone commented.
"I love that the k9 was able to give her a kiss how sweet. Great job HCSO!" another person wrote.
"I am so proud of Mary Lu! My bloodhound Flo and I did tracking for fun, it's amazing to see hounds work," someone else commented. "Great job K9 Mary Lu and great job to HCSO for training her to reach her full awesomeness potential!"
One follower reminded people that although Mary Lu is incredible, she is also a highly trained member of the sheriff's office.
"Good job buddy! I hope everyone doesn't run out and get a bloodhound now," the person wrote. "It takes lots of training for them to do this. It doesn't just come naturally."
