Blue heeler national hero after looking out for toddler

Max also made national headlines for his loyalty.

“Can we nominate a dog for our next Australia Day awards,” said Southern Downs resident Donna Page.

“Hope Max is munching on the biggest bone he has ever seen,” Kara Ekeberg said.

Aurora’s uncle Jake Miller said he was thankful the dog had kept Aurora safe in the bush, where she spent Friday night after leaving her grandfather’s house.

“He didn’t leave her side,”

Mr Miller said.

Praise for Max went viral on social media, with the Queensland Police naming him an “honorary police dog”.

“He stayed with his threeyear-old human... while we frantically searched for her. For keeping her safe, you’re now an honorary police dog,” a Queensland Police Media Facebook post read.

Aurora’s grandmother Leisa Bennett spotted Max early on Saturday morning while searching for Aurora.

The dog led Ms Bennett and Mr Miller to their beloved Aurora, who was found in thick scrub on top of a very steep mountain.

SES area controller Ian Phipps told ABC News the toddler was lucky to come out unscathed. “She’s a very hardy young lass to survive that without any ill effects and everyone, all the volunteers are extremely happy.”

But while Max has taken out the spotlight, Aurora’s family was overwhelmed by the amount of support offered by police, the SES, indigenous trackers and members of the community.

“It was amazing how everyone just came to pitch in. I couldn’t thank them enough,” Ms Bennett said.

“The skills and the knowledge of the Aboriginal trackers who came out and helped us look for Aurora was incredible.

“That’s what helped us find her.”

The toddler went missing at 3pm on Friday, prompting a massive search and rescue effort.