Poor Summer, where are you little one
I can say, I'm also rural. When my son was 2, I was outside planting flowers and he was right behind me playing with his toys. The part of the property in the front by the road is fenced, but I'm surrounded by 400 acres. I turned around and my son was gone, I mean GONE. I thought ok, maybe he went to the back to see his dad so I walked back and nope, he wasn't with dad. Go inside calling for him, nothing. Go back outside and now I'm starting to panic....we looked and looked, went inside again and when I was ready to call police, I decided to check inside one more time. This time I turned on the light in every room and he was in our very back bathroom going potty, with the light off! Why he didn't answer when we yelled his name, no clue.
We probably spent a good 15-20 minutes looking for him ourselves because you don't believe your child would just walk off. Especially when they have been taught NOT to. And you don't want to call the police without knowing it's for sure justified (did he really walk off, I can find him myself, all of these thoughts go through your head) And then how did he go into the house so quietly when I was right there!!! I didn't even hear him go into the front door.
It scared us to death and it makes me feel so bad for Summer's parents if this is truly what happened. How we adults think a child would act isn't the reality. Summer may have been taught not to go into those woods, but what if a stray dog was there and she went to chase it and got lost. You would think she would yell for mom/dad or answer when they call her name, but why didn't my son answer when we called his.......the only thing I don't understand is if she did get lost, why they can't track her scent. I mean I guess I know from watching cases here, kids can travel farther than we imagine.
And, although we do have a main road running in front of our house, I have to admit the thought of someone taking my son didn't even cross my mind because it would be sooooooo rare. Based on what I've read of their house and the drive up, it would shock me if this happens to be the case.
If Summer truly did walk off, I can understand how it happened without mom knowing. None of us watch our kids 24/7, we leave them playing with their toys while we go do other chores. Sigh, the poor baby, I hope she is found soon!