On 12 September at about 15:30, six‑year‑old N.G.K left his home in the Long Hải Bắc neighbourhood of Sông Cầu ward, Đắk Lắk province, and failed to return. The boy, who has a speech delay diagnosed at age two and receives special‑education support, was reported missing the same afternoon. Local authorities and volunteers launched a search, initially assuming the child could be within a 5‑10 km radius. However, the terrain proved far more challenging; the boy traversed dense forest, steep ridges and unmarked paths, covering an estimated 15‑20 km over rugged mountains.
After nearly a full day of searching, rescuers located the child on 13 September, more than 10 km from his home. He was found in good health, though exhausted, after navigating the harsh landscape. Accompanying him the entire time was a two‑year‑old black dog named Đen, also called Mickey by the family. Đen, adopted by the family when he was a puppy and a father of a litter, stayed close to the boy, acting as a protector throughout the night.
Father N.A.T expressed relief that his son’s condition was stable and that Đen remained by his side. The family noted the boy’s ability to read and write despite his limited speech, and they have secured school accommodations to reduce physical‑education and art classes. Local officials praised the coordinated effort of police, rescue teams and community members, highlighting the dog’s unexpected role in the successful recovery.