UPDATE: A Dog From a Nearby Farm Led Police to a Barn 3 Miles From Camp Mystic — Inside, 3 Texas Missing Girls Were Sleeping With a Handwritten Note Beside Them

KERRVILLE, Texas — July 25, 2025 — In a remarkable breakthrough in the search for the missing girls from Camp Mystic, a golden retriever named Rusty from a nearby farm led authorities to a barn three miles from the flood-ravaged Christian summer camp. Inside, three missing campers—Amelia Ruiz (11), Sophie Bennett (10), and Hannah Lee (12)—were found alive, curled up in hay bales, sleeping soundly with a handwritten note beside them. The discovery, made late Wednesday night, has brought renewed hope to a community reeling from the July 4 flash floods that killed at least 104 people and left dozens unaccounted for.

The floods, which struck with little warning as the Guadalupe River surged 26 feet in 45 minutes, devastated Camp Mystic, a century-old all-girls camp in Kerr County. The disaster claimed at least 27 campers and counselors, with initial reports citing 23 to 27 girls missing. Search efforts, involving over 1,000 personnel and volunteers, have been hampered by ongoing rain and the rugged terrain of Texas Hill Country. The discovery of the three girls, thanks to Rusty’s keen instincts, has been hailed as a miracle.

The chain of events began when farmer John Whitaker, whose property lies three miles east of Camp Mystic, noticed Rusty barking incessantly near the barn at dusk. “He wouldn’t stop,” Whitaker told reporters. “He kept running to the barn and back to me, like he knew something was in there.” Whitaker followed Rusty and found the barn door ajar. Inside, he discovered the three girls, exhausted but unharmed, wrapped in blankets they had salvaged from the floodwaters. Beside them was a note, written in pencil on a torn piece of camp stationery, reading: “We followed the dog. Safe here. Please find us.”

Authorities were alerted immediately, and a Texas Department of Public Safety team arrived to transport the girls to a Kerrville hospital. All three are in stable condition, suffering from dehydration and minor cuts but otherwise healthy. Their families, who had been part of the anguished wait at local shelters, were reunited with them early Thursday morning. “I thought I’d never see my Sophie again,” said her mother, Rachel Bennett, tears streaming down her face. “That dog is our hero.”

The note has provided critical insight into the girls’ survival. According to preliminary statements, the girls were in a cabin near the river when the flood hit. As water poured in, they climbed through a window and were swept downstream. They managed to cling to a piece of debris—a wooden bench from the camp’s dining hall—until they reached a shallow bank. There, they encountered Rusty, who led them to the barn, where they found shelter and waited for rescue. The note was written by Amelia, who said she wanted to leave a record in case they weren’t found.

The discovery has raised questions about how the girls survived for over two weeks in the wilderness. Investigators believe they may have found food in the barn, which Whitaker used to store supplies, including canned goods and bottled water. The girls’ resilience has stunned rescuers. “These kids are tough,” said Texas Ranger Captain Maria Gonzalez. “They kept their wits about them and trusted that dog. It’s incredible.”

Rusty’s role has captured the community’s imagination. Whitaker, who adopted the dog from a shelter two years ago, said Rusty has always been protective. “He’s just a farm dog, but he’s got a heart of gold,” he said. Local residents have launched a crowdfunding campaign to reward Rusty with a lifetime supply of treats and a new doghouse.

The note has also prompted authorities to expand their search to other nearby structures, hoping other missing girls may have found similar refuge. Governor Greg Abbott, who visited the barn Thursday morning, praised the discovery as a testament to the relentless search effort. “These girls are a beacon of hope,” he said. “We’re doubling down to find the others.”

The tragedy at Camp Mystic has already sparked controversy, with reports indicating that camp owner Dick Eastland, who died during the flood, received a warning but delayed evacuation. The camp’s location in a flood-prone area, coupled with an outdated warning system, has fueled calls for accountability. The girls’ survival, however, has shifted focus to stories of courage and hope.

At a vigil in Kerrville, families and supporters gathered to celebrate the girls’ rescue. A local pastor read the note aloud, prompting tears and applause. “That note is a message from God,” said attendee Sarah Collins. “Those girls were guided to safety.”

As the search continues for the remaining missing girls, Rusty’s heroics have become a symbol of hope. The barn, now marked with a small cross and flowers left by volunteers, stands as a reminder of the miracles still possible in the wake of tragedy. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the missing campers to contact the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office at 830-258-1111.