A search-and-rescue dog named Archie helped locate three children who wandered about 1.5 miles into the Colorado backcountry, leading rescuers to them about five hours after they went missing.

Archie, a 2-year-old yellow Labrador trained to track missing people, was brought in after drones, search teams and a helicopter failed to locate the children, two 6-year-olds and a 9-year-old.

Using a stuffed animal belonging to one of the children for scent, Archie led rescuers downhill to a sandy wash, where they found the children.

The search marked what officials believe was Archie’s first on-duty mission. His successful tracking has increased confidence in the young K-9, with a sheriff’s office deputy saying the department expects to rely on him for future searches.

outsideonline.com