The instinctive and protective bond German Shepherds form with their owners and tiny humans are among the many traits that make this breed so special and popular.
On Saturday, April 2, 2022, five-year-old Jose Muñoz wandered off from his home in Houston, Texas. Jose was quickly located by police with the family German Shepherd Alejandro by his side.
According to Houston police, Jose, who has down syndrome, was found about a half-mile from his home.
Houston police Sgt. Ricardo Salas said witnesses found the boy and the dog walking on the train tracks near Cavalcade in north Houston.
“The dog knew he had to go with him because he was doing something he was not supposed to do,” said Salas.
Jose’s mother, Jasmine Martinez, told police that she and Jose had just settled down for a nap. When she woke up, he was gone.
Martinez believes he must have opened a door and wandered away.
About 25 to 30 minutes later, the Houston Police Department received a call about a missing child.
When officers found Jose, the dog would not let the little boy out of his sight.
“I sat the child in my patrol unit so he could get some AC, and the dog jumped in the patrol car,” said Salas.
“Alejandro has always been a very overprotective dog since we got him. We got him when he was a baby. I was not surprised when they said he was walking with him the entire time,” said Jose’s sister, Samantha Muñoz.
Jose’s mother said she’s so grateful Alejandro protected her son.
“Thank God this story ended very positive. We’re very thankful for that,” said Sgt.Salas.
Jose was not hurt when police found him near the train tracks.
Jose’s mother is now working to install child protective locks on their doors.
It was a happy ending for Jose, his family, and the Houston Police Department but just another day for a German Shepherd watching over its pack.
