When a toddler goes missing on the week of Christmas, the entire nation pulls together to try and find her. For one family in Crossover, Victoria, the story has a happy ending.
The two-year-old girl and her black puppy dog disappeared about 7.30pm last night and there was an immediate push from the regional community south east of Melbourne to find her.
About 2.30am, after an extensive search with what Victoria Police describe as "many volunteers", she was found with her pup.
The family has released a statement to say thank you.
"We would like to thank all the emergency services workers who helped locate our little girl this morning," the statement read.
"We’d also like to thank everyone from our local community who came out to help and support us.
"We’re so glad to have her back and can happily report she is recovering well.
"As for her loyal puppy, Poppy, she’ll definitely be well fed this evening."