On Sunday morning, Aslan Slawson realized something was wrong.

"Something made me get up," said Slawson. "I was thirsty....I got up, let the dogs out, went to check on Alex right before I went back to bed and he wasn't in his room."

Slawson's 17-year-old autistic son Alex was no where to be found, so she called 911.

"As any other parent would say, it's an awful feeling you wouldn't wish on your worst enemy," said Slawson. "It's just a horrible feeling that takes over and you feel helpless."

Pennsylvania State Police then contacted the Wesleyville Police Department, to receive assistance from their K9 Ke$ha.

The two-year-old Dutch Shepherd was taken to Slawson's home off of Wiltsie Road in Harborcreek around 3:30 a.m. Sunday, to pick up on Alex's scent.

From there, Ke$ha led police through the woods and trails near Penn State Behrend.

After 45 minutes, officers with the Erie Police Department were able to locate Alex near the Bayfront Connector and East 38th Street, about two miles from his home.

"This is what every individual who runs a dog trains for," said Ke$ha's handler Sgt. Jeff Hawryliw. "When your dog shows success and is able to either track or find someone in an emergency situation, it's huge."

Sgt. Hawryliw said the positive outcome was made possible through a collaborative effort with other police agencies.

"My biggest take away is when it comes to these situations, you have to act quickly and fast and make good quick decisions," said Sgt. Hawryliw. "The initial arrival of PSP, we we're able to do that and coordinate this effort and it was a group effort."

Slawson expressed gratitude for all the first responders who helped out in the search.

"Thank you everyone who was there and especially Ke$ha the dog and the officer that had her," said Slawson. "Thank you, thank you, thank you so much. We are so appreciative."