Stray Dog Becomes Indiana K9 Officer and Helps Rescue Two Missing Kids

From parking lot pup to hometown hero – meet Knox, the Brown County Sheriff’s Department’s four-legged lifesaver.

From Stray Pup to K9 Hero

Just over a year ago, Knox was a scrappy stray, surviving in a truck stop parking lot near Shelbyville by snagging chicken nuggets tossed from car windows. Fast forward to today, and this once-hungry pup is now a celebrated K9 officer who just helped save two missing kids in the Hoosier National Forest.

A Life-Saving Mission in the Hoosier National Forest

On Sunday, Knox put his incredible nose to work after two 11-year-olds got separated from their mother near Sundance Lake. While officers searched the area, it was Knox who picked up the scent and led rescuers nearly 550 yards through the dense woods – straight to the children. Thanks to him, they were found safe and sound.

The Rescue That Changed Everything

Knox’s journey from stray to savior is nothing short of inspiring. After being “humanely trapped with a hamburger,” he ended up at the Shelbyville Animal Shelter. Staff quickly realized this high-energy pup needed more than a couch and backyard – he needed a job. That’s when Redemption Ranch K9 Rescue in Plainfield stepped in.

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Founded by Officer Rob Prichard, Redemption Ranch specializes in training “high-drive” shelter dogs for police work, then donating them to departments that otherwise couldn’t afford a K9. Prichard says Knox is proof of the power of second chances: “He’s not just a working dog. He’s living proof that second chances save lives.”

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Now, instead of begging for fast food scraps, Knox has a badge, a purpose, and a community counting on him. He’ll continue training and serving with the Brown County Sheriff’s Department – ready for whatever challenges come his way.

[h/t: fox59.com]