PARRISH, Fla. — A Manatee County Sheriff's Office K-9 who ran off Wednesday morning and was missing most of the day was reunited with his partner late in the day, according to the agency.

  • 'Boss' distracted by something, ran into woods
  • Sheriff's Office deployed ATVs, helicopter in search
  • Resident spotted 'Boss' around 5:45 p.m.

The search for 'Boss' started after he was distracted by something while outside his partner's home and ran off into the nearby woods.

Fellow deputies and neighbors quickly rushed to the scene to try and find him.

"I searched from nine until about 12:30, did a little bit of work today, then went back out," said neighbor Jay Martin. "i even brought my dog, we walked up and down, we went to the vegetable fields all on the sides over there."

The sheriff's office deployed ATVs and even used a helicopter to search the woods for the lost Belgian Malinois, saying finding him was a top priority. 

Neighbors who know the dog and his family say they have a tight bond.

"If you're a dog lover, it's more than just a service animal that performs a duty," Martin said. "it's a very good dog, well liked within the community."

The dog was missing for approximately nine hours. Finally, a resident spotted him a few miles away in the 15000 block of County Road 675 around 5:45 p.m. and called the Sheriff's Office.

Soon after, 'Boss' and his partner were reunited.

Boss was taken to a vet and checked out. The Sheriff's Office said he is in good shape and expected to be back on duty soon.