A Hero Named Copper

Kollin Bailey, 6, decided to go to a friend’s house to play one sunny afternoon this past December. Kollin, who lives in Herriman, Utah, first told his aunt, who was babysitting him, and then went to play. But his friend was too busy to come outside. So Kollin got his kite, jumped on his bike, and went to play by himself. That’s when his troubles began. As he ran with his kite, he tripped and fell - 9 feet into an open manhole! He blacked out for a few minutes, and when he woke up he found himself in the cold, dark hole. Kollin screamed for help, but he was far from any houses and no one could hear him. Hours seemed to go by. Would anyone ever find him?
Kollin’s aunt was frantic when he didn’t come back. She called Kollin’s mother, who called the police. Neighbors also began searching for Kollin. Finally someone found something - Kollin’s bike lying on the grass. A K-9 team was called in, and police officer Shane Matheson arrived with Copper, a six-year-old bloodhound. Copper sniffed the bike and set off after Kollin. Twenty minutes later, Copper discovered Kollin in the manhole and an officer climbed in and lifted Kollin out. His family took him to the hospital, where he was treated for a broken arm.
The next day, Kollin met Shane and Copper again - this time to say, "Thanks!" Kollin’s mom and dad were also very thankful to have their son home safe again!

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