News of Sunny’s discovery spread quickly through Maplewood.

The local paper ran the headline: “Dog Leads Police to Missing Child.” Reporters wanted to interview Eleanor, and neighbors stopped by with treats for Sunny.

But Eleanor remained humble. “I didn’t do anything,” she said. “It was all Sunny. He knew something was wrong, and he wouldn’t rest until we listened.”

The police, however, insisted she accept recognition alongside her dog. At a small ceremony the following week, Chief Reynolds presented Sunny with a bright blue ribbon that read “Hero Dog.” Eleanor’s eyes filled with tears as she clipped it to his collar.