Greene Township, Pa. - When 3-year-old Loudon Bricker wants to play with a dog, he turns to his pooch, Meg.

But when Loudon went missing this past weekend, it was his older sister's dog, Spike, that came through in his time of need.

On Friday afternoon, Loudon wandered away from his family's dairy farm in Greene Township.  His father, Doug, was inside the barn milking cows. 

Doug Bricker said he assumed his son was with his wife, who was running errands.

When his wife returned home, the family realized Loudon and Spike were missing.

They frantically searched the nearby barns and fields and finally called police.  More than 80 rescuers descended on the property and searched through the chilly night. Bloodhounds were brought in to track Loudon's scent.

Doug said he remained positive because of Spike's absence.

"If Spike's not here and Loudon's not here, they're probably together. So that was very comforting," Doug Bricker said.

When the sun came up, a state police helicopter was brought to the area to search by air. 

Tom Shatzer began searching around 8:30 a.m. with his 15-year-old son. Twenty minutes later, they heard a boy calling for his mother, and saw the top of Loudon's head in a nearby field. He was a half-mile from home.

"I was just at the right place at the right time," Shatzer said. "Maybe God put me there."

At Loudon's side was Spike, Shatzer said. 

Shatzer believes Spike cuddled with Loudon through the night and kept him warm. Police said the temperature was low enough that they were worried the boy might not survive the elements.

"He deserves a steak dinner for staying with that boy," Shatzer said.

Doug said he intends on giving him that special meal.  He said Spike may not be Loudon's play pal of choice, but he has certainly proved he is his protector.

Loudon only complained of having cold feet and being very hungry. He was taken to the hospital and checked out fine. 

Doug said he is grateful to the dozens of men and women who searched through the night to bring his family their happy ending.

"I just want to thank all the individuals and praise the Lord for overseeing, too," Doug Bricker said.  "We did a lot of praying ... a lot of praying."

 

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