A 6-Year-Old Boy Vanished in the Woods—22 Hours Later, He Walked Out With His Protector
Caden Leach was found around 3:30 p.m.—about 22 hours since he was first noticed missing the evening before.
When he was found, the growling turned out to be that of his faithful black and white terrier dog, Chula.
The dog growled at the rescuers when they approached Caden.
“The dog is a protector,” said BCSO Chief Deputy Jeff French.
Indeed, Chula had done her best to keep Caden safe the entire night they were in the woods.
When Caden was found, he didn’t look well. The rescuers asked him if he was okay and how he was feeling.
He said, “Very cold.”
His skin was purple and cold. His gray sweatpants and black t-shirt couldn’t have been enough to keep him warm all night.
The search team also asked the boy where he lived, and he gave the address. Once that was established, they told Caden they were taking him to safety immediately.
He needed some medical attention. Chula also needed some attending too.
ACT 2 — THE HOSPITAL
Before first responders took Caden Leach home, they thought it was best to take him to Blount Memorial Hospital first to get evaluated by medical personnel.
They wanted to make sure he wasn’t suffering from hypothermia or any other medical issues.
His family was so relieved when they finally got to see their precious little Caden again.
They also couldn’t believe how brave Chula had been through the whole ordeal. It sounded like something out of a book or a movie.
While Caden was being evaluated at Blount Memorial Hospital, his family released a statement about their boy’s return.
“We’re so thankful to everyone from local law enforcement agencies to volunteers who helped us find Caden. The amount of support we have received has been tremendous—even from people we don’t know. We appreciate all our friends and neighbors and ask for privacy at this time,” wrote Caden’s parents.
ACT 3 — THE COMMUNITY CELEBRATES
News of Caden’s return was also met with much celebration by the media and on social media.
“So glad he was found safe,” wrote one well-wisher on Facebook.
Another person commented that they had “the little guy on my mind since I found out he was lost. Something he can tell his grandkids. Thank God.”
Just as much as the community spent 22 agonizing hours searching for Caden, so too did they express the same kind of joy when they heard he was found safe along with his dog.
On the news, it seemed to comfort them that he wasn’t alone through the night.
The Top of the World community experienced a whirlwind of emotions for 22 hours, and the switch from concern to relief was felt by all.
It reminded them of their own children, so everyone reached out as best they could.
It was also a huge moment for everyone in the entire county when Caden was found. They were praying to hear that he made it back safe and sound and were so happy to hear the nightmare was finally over.
ACT 4 — THE SHERIFF’S TEARS
The sheriff was also thankful when Caden was found. He became really emotional when thanking everyone on local TV.
“I want to thank all these men and women who spent the last 20-something hours out here in the dark, the cold, and the rain,” he said.
“We had the FBI, TBI, Blount County Sheriff’s Department, Blount County Fire Department, Blount County Rescue Squad. It was a team effort, and we couldn’t have done it without the help.”
But there was someone else they had to thank as well.
The sheriff also thanked his deputy officer, Daniel Self, for helping Chula the dog. He held the dog and made sure she was okay, giving her water and some food.
Everyone was so thrilled to know that Chula had been Caden’s guardian angel throughout the night.
The bond between a dog and human proves insurmountable, especially during trying times.
Chula was so heroic and never left Caden’s side for one minute.
She is definitely the reason he made it through the cold and dark night all alone in the woods.
ACT 5 — REFLECTION
The Top of the World community in Tennessee was definitely feeling on top of the world when Caden was found on that frantic Tuesday afternoon.
Everything really did take a 180 from the moment he was found in the woods.
Caden made a full recovery. No hypothermia. No lasting damage.
Chula was hailed as a hero. Her photo was shared thousands of times. People from across the country sent treats and toys to the little terrier who wouldn’t leave her boy’s side.
Deputy Daniel Self, who had held Chula and given her water after she spent 22 hours protecting Caden, became a local celebrity too. He said the dog had been “extremely protective” and wouldn’t let anyone near Caden until she was sure they were there to help.
“She did her job,” Self said. “She kept him warm. She kept him safe. And when we finally got there, she made sure we weren’t a threat before she let us anywhere near him.”
Caden’s parents never let him play alone in the woods again. Not because they didn’t trust him—but because they never wanted to feel that fear again.
But every night before bed, Caden would hug Chula and whisper, “Thank you for staying with me.”
And Chula would wag her tail.
Because that’s what heroes do.
They don’t leave.