A 17-year-old cattle dog named Max is being praised by Australian police for remaining with a three-year-old girl for hours as she spent a night lost in brushland.

A few days ago, the girl, whose name is Aurora, was the subject of a large search after wandering away from her home in Queensland, Australia. Luckily, the family’s dog, Max, who is partially deaf and blind, followed after her. Max ended up staying with Aurora for 16 hours before being found by relatives on a hillside Saturday morning.

More than 100 emergency workers took part in the search in Queensland’s South Downs. When the child was found, she only had a few minor cuts. Relatives said that as temperatures decreased to 59 degrees, Aurora took shelter with Max underneath a large rock.

Everyone is happy that both Aurora and Max are safe. Australian Police praised Max for his heroic actions, and they even named him an honorary police dog. People even took to Twitter to express how thankful and happy they were that Max saved Aurora. One person tweeted, “Sending much love to 17 year old Max who kept the little one safe! Best. Good Boy. Ever.” Another person tweeted, “Max deserves all the treats!”  

This is the perfect example of why dogs are known as man’s best friend.