WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — One of the highest offices in the land praised the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office Friday. NHCSO spokesman Lt. Jerry Brewer says FBI Director James Comey called Sheriff Ed McMahon to congratulate him on his team’s quick work in finding a missing 6-year-old.

It may not have been so quick if it was not for a four-legged hero. Any time a child goes missing, every second counts.

And every tool helps, even if its covered in fur, a little slobbery, and on a leash.

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Deputy Sean Dixon and his K9 Bane found the missing six-year-old in the woods off River Road Thursday morning.

“I ran over and started giving first aid” Dixon said, “and in the background he’s over there rolling, flipping out on the ground, throwing pine needles and pine cones. He was extremely happy. He knew what he had done, and found.”

It was an emotional day for Bane’s handler, as a military veteran and law enforcement officer Dixon has seen a lot. But finding the little girl hit close to home.

“I have kids ya know, she’s so innocent and to think somebody like that would do something” Dixon said.

After the child was rescued, Deputy Dixon visited her in the hospital. He also brought her a stuffed animal that looked like Bane.

Dixon also said the girl’s father requested to meet the heroic dog that found his daughter.