Missing Butler County girl found safe

QULIN, Mo. — A girl and her dog missing for 12 hours were found safe Friday morning.

According to Missouri State Highway Patrol Sgt. Clark Parrott, a 3-year-old white female was reported missing to Butler County authorities 8:32 p.m. Thursday.

An intensive ground search began and highway patrol aircraft was used, but searchers were unable to locate the child in the dark.

Law enforcement along with volunteers continued the search at first light and at 8:23 a.m. the little girl was located safe with her dog, a Yorkshire Terrier, that apparently spent the night with her.

Parrott said the girl, who was found less than a mile from her home, was checked by emergency personnel and had no injuries other than a few mosquito bites.