Two-year-old Charlee Campbell and her dog Penny went missing in Lebanon Junction for nearly two days before emerging from the woods and returning home safely.
While Charlee made it back unharmed, the Bullitt County Sheriff’s Office is still investigating to understand exactly what happened.
Her grandmother, Beth Campbell, expressed amazement that her granddaughter, who lives with her, survived the ordeal.
“When they told me they found Mo, Charlee, I was overwhelmed with happiness,” she said emotionally.
Petting Penny, Beth called her “our hero,” firmly believing the dog stayed by Charlee’s side the entire time she was missing.
“When my dog didn’t come home, I knew he wouldn’t leave that baby until she was safe,” Beth said of the loyal pit bull.
According to authorities, Penny returned home shortly before Charlee was found several hundred yards away at a neighbor’s house.
“I’m beyond words with how happy I am that this baby is back home. I love her more than anything in this world,” Beth said tearfully.
Wayne Brown, the man who found Charlee, said he was sitting on his couch praying for the little girl when he saw a blonde-haired child in his backyard.
The experience affected him deeply, bringing back painful memories from his own childhood.
“My little brother once went missing. He had climbed three fences and was found miles away. It was actually my uncle who found him, but sadly, he was already dead,” Brown shared.
After finding Charlee, Brown gave her water and called 911, but he still has questions.
“They searched everywhere here. How did they miss her? And then she just shows up in a place that was already searched. How is that possible?” he asked.
The Bullitt County Sheriff’s Office conducted a foot search from Brown’s property on Roy Layne Road down the hill to Charlee’s house, hoping to find tracks, scents (with dogs), or clues to solve the mystery.
Charlee’s family confirmed that she was hospitalized on Saturday morning but was doing well.