Kent County sheriff's K-9 found a day after he went missing in Manistee National Forest
A law enforcement K-9 got away from his handler Sunday morning in western Michigan's Manistee National Forest, and was found about 4 1/2 miles away on Monday.
K-9 Soka, a German shorthair mix, is assigned to the Kent County Sheriff's Office in Grand Rapids. The dog is trained in narcotics detection, is microchipped and has a collar with identification. The department distributed a poster via social media to get the public's attention and assistance in keeping a lookout for him.
"He appears health - aside from a few porcupine needles - and will be taken to a veterinarian for evaluation," the Kent County Sheriff's Office said.
The dog got loose from his handler Sunday morning. about 1 ½ miles southeast of Peacock Township Hall in Irons, in the Manistee National Forest. There were initial efforts with a ground search and drone unit to find the dog, but he could not be located Sunday.
Residents of Kent and Lake counties, the Lake County Sheriff's Office, Manistee County Sheriff's Office, Michigan State Police, Grand Rapids Fire Department and Grand Rapids Police Department were among those assisting Kent County Sheriff's Office in searching for the lost dog.
Eventually, a local resident noticed the dog and reported its whereabouts.
"Because of all of you, Soka is safe and headed home," deputies said.
The Kent County Sheriff's Office currently has nine K-9s assigned to its department, according to recent posts on social media.