Puppies save a boy

edited December 2008 in General
News video clip

Halifax Co., VA - Sarah Ingram, Mother - "When I first saw him, he was like, "Momma, I got cold. I slept in the woods last night. The puppies kept me warm." A three-year-old is back home safe and officials believe it was two dogs that saved his life. Authorities called it a race against time, tonight a missing toddler is alive and recovering in the hospital after spending the night lost in the woods. 3-year-old Jaylynn Thorpe went missing around 4 p-m yesterday, after wandering away from his babysitter. It happened just off Buckshoal Road in the Virgilina Community and the community just refused to give up hope. Even when things looked grim, the volunteers kept coming, the search teams kept working. Talking to people, the only way to describe this is a miracle. It was a sea of lights, sirens, search teams. A 3 year old, Jaylynn Thorpe lost in the woods, no clue as to where he had gone and temperatures dipping into the teens. James Thorpe, Father - "We didn't forget the issue that 17 degrees was almost unbearable." Katherine Elliott, Guardian and Grandmother - "People all over the state of Virginia was down there looking for that child. For a while there, one time, I didn't know whether they would find him or not." He was missing for 21 hours. A long time for anyone to be outside in the winter and alive. Sheriff Stanley Noblin, Halifax County Sheriff's Dept. - "The only thing we wanted to do was just keep searching until we found him." But something kept Jaylynn going, as he fought against time. Sarah Ingram, Mother - "God...and those dogs." Two puppies, that officials say, probably saved his life. “He told me that...the dogs slept up against him. And I'm sure the body heat kept him warm." He traveled half a mile to a mile in the dark, through dense woods, even crossing a highway. But it wasn't until Saturday afternoon that search teams found him, lying up against a tree, with the dogs. Noblin - I would definitely call this a miracle. Thorpe - I think I just said 'Thank you Lord' ...for us to have another chance!” Another chance to be a family. A miracle indeed. Jaylynn is expected to spend the night at Halifax Regional Hospital. We're told he's doing remarkably well. He's eaten a double cheeseburger, a hot dog, strawberry ice cream, and lots and lots of French fries. And his family says thank you, to all the people who prayed for Jaylynn, and helped bring him home.

Comments

  • edited November -1
    are they going to keep the puppies?!?!?

    That is a great story!
  • edited November -1
    My understanding was that the puppies either belong to the child's family or the babysitter's family (which is the child's cousin) so yup puppies are being loved. That's the first thing I was thinking too.
  • edited November -1
    That's amazing and beautiful!
  • edited November -1
    Go puppies! What a wonderful story.
  • edited November -1
    Amazing is the first word that came to my mind. Children and dogs can have very unique bonds.
  • edited December 2008
    Hummm.....if you listen to the video and interview with the grandmother. The reporter asks her what the puppies will get for Christmas and she said she is going to "donate/give one to the county". I could be looking at it the wrong way, but I take that to mean the shelter!? They are 12 weeks old apparently.

    Dogs are wonderful....humans not so much at times....

    Snf
  • edited December 2008
    Hmm, I guess that's what I get for not watching the entire clip. I stopped at the last fourth of the clip. Hopefully she means for police work or something like that.

    ETA: Yeah, the way she said it, it sounded more like public service than giving a dog up to a shelter. But then, I'm not sure if I'm showing too much faith in her.
  • edited November -1
    That's an amazing story - if they don't keep those puppies they should go to hell.

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  • edited November -1
    Wow, Brad, that was harsh lol [ though I agree with you :p ] ~
  • edited November -1
    She made mention that one "will definitely keep"...makes me wonder what was wrong with the other one that "should be donated to the county"...And I agree with everyone here. WTH (who the hell) gives up a dog for saving your child's life?

    Jesse
  • edited December 2008
    yea, it probably is/was harsh of me...

    I'll reward my statement to:

    "That's an amazing story. They should keep those puppies. If they don't, at the very least, find a wonderful home for both of those pups [that saved their kid's life], then I think those parents should go to hell."

    Better? :o)

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  • edited November -1
    SNF (and everyone else) - The family is donating one of the pups to the Halifax County Sheriff's Dept for SAR if the puppy passes the training. If he fails, the family will keep him.

    It is a very heartwarming story. :)
  • edited November -1
    More to the story here:
    http://www.nydailynews.com/news/us_world/2008/12/07/2008-12-07_puppies_save_threeyearold_boy_lost_in_fr.html

    Thats right, Casey! You live in VA! I'm glad the pups have a happy ending!! :))
  • edited November -1
    Much better Brad. :-)
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