2-Year-Old Girl Disappears for Two Days — Pit Bull Stays by Her Side Until She’s Found

Two-year-old Charlee Campbell disappeared from her home in Lebanon Junction, Kentucky, along with her loyal pit bull, Penny. The terrifying ordeal lasted nearly two full days, sending her family and community into a frantic search. Miraculously, Charlee emerged from the woods and returned home safely.

Although she was physically unharmed, the Bullitt County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate what happened during the time she was missing.

Her grandmother, Beth Campbell, who is also her guardian, was overwhelmed with emotion upon learning Charlee had been found.
“When they told me they found Mo—Charlee—I was overjoyed,” she said tearfully.

As she gently petted Penny, Beth called the dog “our hero,” firmly believing that Penny stayed by Charlee’s side throughout the entire disappearance.
“When my dog didn’t come home, I just knew she wouldn’t leave that baby until she was safe,” Beth added.

Authorities reported that Penny returned home just before Charlee was found a few hundred yards away, in a neighbor’s backyard.

Wayne Brown, the man who discovered Charlee, said he had been sitting on his couch praying for her safe return when he noticed a little blonde girl in his yard.
“I was speechless. I just kept thanking God,” he said.

The moment stirred painful memories for Wayne, who recalled a childhood tragedy.
“My little brother went missing once. He had climbed three fences and was found miles away. My uncle found him, but sadly, he was already gone,” Wayne shared.

After finding Charlee, Wayne gave her some water and called 911 immediately. However, he still has questions.
“They searched everywhere around here. How did they miss her? And then she just shows up in a spot that had already been checked. How is that possible?” he wondered.

The Bullitt County Sheriff’s Office conducted a new search on foot, covering the area from Wayne’s property on Roy Layne Road down to Charlee’s house. They used scent-tracking dogs in hopes of finding clues to explain the mystery.

Charlee’s family confirmed that she was hospitalized on Saturday morning for observation but was recovering well.