Hero Dog Tracks Missing Dementia Patient Through the Woods. His Reaction to Tasty Reward Says It All
An incredibly happy police dog in Wrentham, Massachusetts, is getting all the pats after his sharp nose helped locate a missing elderly man, according to CBS News. Cruiser, the town’s beloved community resource dog, successfully tracked and found a 78-year-old dementia patient who had wandered away from his home in the neighboring town of Avon.
While many people were searching, the expertly trained Cruiser quickly located the vulnerable man in a wooded area behind a local school, earning himself a hero’s welcome and a very special treat from his handler, Sgt. Dan Morris.
Ultimate Good Boy Reward
Cruiser’s successful track through the woods wasn’t his only accomplishment of the day. It also earned him the reward every good dog dreams of. Police Chief Bill McGrath confirmed that handler Sgt. Dan Morris treated the superstar K-9 to the ultimate dinner: a McDonald’s Happy Meal celebration.
“He’s happy he did his job and happier still that Sgt. Morris rewarded him with a trip to McDonald’s for a Happy Meal celebration dinner!” Chief McGrath shared. “Just look at that big, shameless smile!” And anyone who has seen the photos of the beaming Golden Retriever on Facebook can agree.
As a Golden Retriever parent, I can attest to the sheer happiness Cruiser must have felt on receiving that special, well-earned treat.
A Beloved Community Staple
This heroic streak is simply another day on the job for this canine Wrentham celebrity. Cruiser joined the Police Department in 2020 as a puppy, thanks to a grant from the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office. Fittingly, he was named by the students at Wrentham Elementary School.
More than just a search-and-rescue specialist, Cruiser is a fixture in the community. He has his own Facebook page where his fans can keep up with his adventures, from meeting the public at local events to, naturally, enjoying the occasional hamburger.
A Track Record of Triumphs
Cruiser’s ability to “cruise right to his location,” as Chief McGrath put it, is well-documented. He’s been the town’s ace tracker for several successful missions. Just this past March, the resourceful dog earned a similar burger reward after finding two runaway children who were lost in the woods.
Before that, he played an important role in locating a missing elderly woman in Foxboro last summer.
Whether he’s helping children, seniors, or dementia patients, Cruiser is a tireless, tail-wagging asset to both the police department and the entire community.
