The blue heeler dog from Queensland who became an internet sensation for keeping his three-year-old family member safe for 17 hours while lost in the bush has become Queensland’s first honorary police dog.
Little Aurora wandered off on a large property near Warwick in Queensland’s Southern Downs on April 20, along with the 17-year-old family dog, Max, who is deaf and partially blind.
The youngster’s disappearance sparked a frantic search involving more than a 100 State Emergency Service volunteers, police and members of the public.
Blue heeler Max, pictured with police on Tuesday, was hailed a hero for keeping his three-year-old family member safe for 17 hours while lost in the bush on April 20
‘Max seemed pretty thrilled to be presented with a QPS collar and medallion,’ a police statement said. ‘Still such a good boy.’
Aurora went missing around 3pm on April 20 before being found 17 hours later at 8am on April 21. She was found with minor cuts and abrasions
Aurora and Max spent the night together in rugged bush in the cold and rain before they were found the following morning two kilometres away from where they disappeared.
Kelly Benston, the partner of Aurora’s grandmother Leisa Marie Bennett, told the ABC Ms Bennett and other volunteers heard Aurora from the top of a mountain.
‘She found the dog first. Max led her to Aurora,’ he said.
Max looked very chuffed to meet his Queensland Police visitors on Tuesday
Blue healer hero dog Max, 17, is deaf and partially blind
Police visited Max on Tuesday to make good on their promises to make him Queensland’s first honorary police dog
Ms Bennett added: ‘He never left her sight. She smelled of dog, she slept with the dog.’
At the time, Queensland Police commended Max for his bravery and uploaded an image of the hero dog, accompanied with the lighthearted caption: ‘Such a good boy, Max!
‘He stayed with his three-year-old human last night whilst she was lost near Warwick. For keeping her safe until she was found, you’re now an honorary police dog!’
Max was rewarded with pats and hugs from his visitors on Tuesday
Max was presented with a Queensland Police collar and medallion for keeping young Aurora safe for 17 hours
At the time, Queensland Police commended Max for his bravery and uploaded an image of the hero dog, accompanied with the lighthearted caption: ‘Such a good boy, Max!
On Tuesday (May 1), Warwick Officer in Charge Senior Sergeant James Deacon and the Darling Downs District Dog Squad Officer in Charge Sergeant Trevor O’Neil paid Max a special visit to recognise his bravery and loyalty and to make good on the promise police made on social media at the time.
‘Max seemed pretty thrilled to be presented with a QPS collar and medallion,’ a police statement said.
‘Still such a good boy.’
Queensland Police filmed the proud moment, which attracted more than 6200 reactions, 1300 shares within two hours of being posted on its Facebook page.
‘Onya Max..we Queenslanders look after each other,’ one woman posted.
Police hope Max’s services will not be needed again any time soon.
Queensland Police filmed the meeting, which attracted more than 6200 reactions, 1300 shares within two hours of being posted on its Facebook page
Police made good on their vow on social media at the time to make Max Queensland’s first honorary police dog
Police hope Max’s services will not be needed again any time soon