Florida Dog Leads Deputy to Missing 86-Year-Old Woman After Fall During Evening Walk
DESTIN, Florida — A Florida dog is being hailed as a hero after he helped lead a sheriff’s deputy to his owner’s 86-year-old mother-in-law, who had fallen and couldn’t get up during her evening walk in a Destin neighborhood.
A Walk That Took Too Long
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office said the woman took her son’s dog, Eeyore, out for a short walk last month. When she didn’t return after her usual 10 to 15 minutes, her worried husband called 911.
“She never takes more than 10 or 15 minutes. It’s been almost an hour now,” her husband told dispatchers, his voice filled with concern, according to body camera footage released by the sheriff’s office.
Deputy Devon Miller responded to the call and immediately began searching the neighborhood. Moments later, she spotted Eeyore trotting along the road still on his leash, heading straight toward her patrol car.
“Hi, baby — where’s your mama?” Miller asked as she opened her door and grabbed the leash.
The Rescue
Eeyore then led the deputy directly to the woman, who was lying on the sidewalk, alert but unable to move after injuring her leg in the fall. Body camera video shows the loyal dog standing protectively beside her.
The woman expressed relief and gratitude when she learned that her rescue was thanks to Eeyore.
“He wouldn’t leave. He kept coming back to me,” she told the deputy. “Oh, Eeyore, you’re a good boy. Grandma loves you.”
Deputy Miller stayed with the woman until paramedics arrived, providing comfort and basic first aid before EMS transported her for treatment.
‘Sometimes Heroes Have Four Legs’
Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden praised both the deputy and the dog, saying the quick teamwork likely prevented a more serious outcome.
“The dog laid down beside the woman — clearly protective of her,” Aden said. “The lady had injured her leg, but thanks to Eeyore and Deputy Miller, help arrived quickly.”
In a post shared on Facebook, the sheriff’s office wrote:
“Sometimes heroes come with four legs and a wagging tail!”
Deputy Deflects Credit
Sheriff Aden said Deputy Miller, who joined the department just over two years ago, declined media interviews because she wanted the story to be about the dog — not herself.
“Eeyore was the real hero here,” Aden said.
The elderly woman is recovering from minor injuries and expected to make a full recovery, thanks to her loyal canine companion.
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