Story Of Hero Malinois Who Helps Save 'Lost Dogs' Will Leave You In Tears

Every pet parent hopes to never have to go searching for a lost pet. It can be an anxiety-inducing experience, and many dog-lovers' worst nightmare. If you happen to live in Norway, your pup just might be rescued by a local hero named Wixen. This Malinois and her human shine in an inspiring YouTube video as they find lost dogs in the wild, and their voyage just might leave you in tears.

"Watching dogs rescue other dogs was not on my bingo card this year," said video producer Jackie from The Dodo, who shared why Wixen and her human Hanne's story inspired her. Wixen and Hanne have become quite the dynamic duo in Wixen's older age. In fact, her senior status inspired dog trainer Hanne to help her flex her natural tracking skills by rescuing lost dogs "deep into the woods."

Jackie noted that the two search "for hours at a time," which means this Malinois' exceptional tracking skills come in handy quite often. One inspired viewer rounded up this duo's public service perfectly, "Hanne is a genius for thinking this up, because there is no downside. Wixen gets to stay fit, active, and mentally stimulated, and terrified lost dogs get to be reunited with their heartbroken owners. What a perfect set-up!"

Wixen is a true Norwegian hero and a great representation of what the Belgian Malinois dog breed can do. These pups are incredibly smart and trainable, and they've also got a pretty interesting origin story. Here are some fun facts about this very cool breed.

Malinois descend from shepherd dogs from the northwestern region of late-19th-century Belgium. Due to Belgium's unique terrain and local farmers' needs, these adaptable canines served several different purposes, from herding livestock to guarding the land. No wonder they're considered some of the best herding dogs for families.

Their predatory nature has made them top choices for police and military dogs. However, it's important to note that this intense nature does require a fair amount of training and socialization with other dogs and humans to avoid any impulsive or reactive behavior. If you're in for a high-energy dog with a lot of smarts and affection, then you just might love a Belgian Malinois for yourself.