A Texas woman with dementia went missing for 3 days. Her barking dog led rescuers to her.

Rescuers in Texas were able to find a woman with dementia who was missing for three days with the help of her loyal companion – a dog named Max. 

Sherry Noppe was found in the woods at George Bush Park in Houston around 3 a.m. local time Friday after rescuers and volunteers heard Max barking, according to a tweet from the Harris County Constable Precinct 5. 

"It's a small miracle that she's alive after being missing for so long," Constable Ted Heap said in a follow-up tweet. "Our concern now is getting her out of the woods and to a hospital for a medical evaluation."

A Facebook group, Find Sherry, was started to help find her and has grown to more than 9,000 members. Its members celebrated once she was located safely.

Her family told 12 News that she was treated for cuts and bruises at a local hospital and believe she remained in the same location – 2 miles from her home in neighboring Katy, Texas – the entire time she was missing. 

"She's doing surprisingly well for how long she's been out there and the conditions that we were expecting," her daughter Courtney Noppe told the outlet. "The heat. The rain. We're very grateful."

Family and friends called Max a hero for helping rescuers locate Sherry. 

"With Max, that dog had no leash, no collar, and stayed by her side for three days," Sherry's son, Justin Noppe, told 12 News. "And that just shows you the loyalty the dog has."

What's everyone talking about? Sign up for our trending newsletter to get the latest news of the day

'Please. Stay. Out.':Dog swept up in LA river triggers chaotic rescue after bystander jumps in

Max was evaluated by a veterinarian and Sherry was released from the hospital in time for Mother's Day.

"It's been a blessing to us to bring our mother home on Mother's Day – this weekend's going to be very special for us," Justin told the outlet.

Follow reporter Asha Gilbert @Coastalasha. Email: agilbert@usatoday.com.