UPDATE: A TODDLER missing in Mildura for more than 13 hours has been found crying in bushland about 3km from home after a frantic search.

Dante Berry was found metres off a dirt track with his pet dog, a german shepherd named Dasher, near a gliding club in Whitecliffs Ave, Mildura, about 10am.

These photographs of Dante, supplied by police, were taken shortly after he was rescued. Picture: Victoria Police

The two-and-a-half-year-old is being treated in Mildura Hospital for dehydration and hypothermia after braving overnight rain and thunderstorms.

A discarded nappy found with paw prints on it at 8.30am was the first clue that eventually led police to the boy.

Police believe Dante had removed his nappy on a dirt road about 2km into the state forest before continuing.

Sen-Constable Carol Rigby said she and Leading Sen-Constable Greg Lee were about to turn back when they heard a crying child.

"The last time we saw footprints was some way back but we asked ourselves: what if we just go around the next corner?" Sen-Constable Rigby said.


Dante Berry with his mum Bianca Chapman after being found safe about 3km from his home in Mildura. Picture: Attila Szilvasi

She said Dasher then came bounding out and led them to the crying Dante, who was wearing just a long-sleeved top.

"He had very grubby feet and legs," she said.

"I was a bit surprised that he was in as good a condition as he was in.


Dante's relieved mother took him home before he was taken to hospital. Picture: Mike Keating /

"He was stunned and amazed more than anything."

She said foot and paw prints revealed the pair had been walking side by side the whole time.

Dante and Dasher arrived back at his Deakin Ave home shortly after 10am amid a crowd of emergency personnel and community members.

Dante regularly wanders away from home, police said. Picture: Attila Szilvasi

His relieved mother, Bianca Chapman, whisked him back inside before taking him to hospital.

Grandfather Percy Chapman embraced Dasher as he thanked the community for their help.

"I cannot believe people that helped us out," he said.


Dante's pet dog Dasher was found in bushland with the toddler. Picture: Attila Szilvasi

"Strangers, neighbours - there's a lost child and the whole community chips in to bring him home."

The family later released a statement: "We would like to express our thanks to the police, SES, CFA, members of the community and everyone involved in the search for Dante.

"We are extremely relieved that he has been located safe and appears to be happy.

"We were happy, but not surprised, to learn that his faithful dog, Dasher, stayed by his side and was also found safe and well."

At least 100 people, including police, DSE trackers, CFA, council staff and community volunteers were involved in the search.

Mildura Sen Sgt Stephen Phelan said the community came together to help find the little boy.

Dante and Dasher had last been seen at his Deakin Ave house, located about 15km from the northwest Victorian town,  about 8.30pm yesterday.

Dante's family said he regularly wandered away from home.

"The child can wander for up to 1km away from home and end up at neighbours who subsequently bring the child back, " Sgt Gary Matthews told 3AW radio earlier.

Angus Thompson / Herald Sun

Source: heraldsun.com.au