Missing Cincinnati police dog, Yaro (Photo: Provided/Cincinnati Police Dept.)

A Cincinnati police dog went missing for about nine hours Sunday, officials said, when winds apparently opened the gate to his handler's fenced-in yard.

The 2-year-old, named Yaro, was found about four miles away from his handler's home in Fairfield.

"Thanks to a resident who saw him and called to him," Cincinnati police said in a Twitter posting shortly after 11:30 a.m. Yaro had been missing since about 2 a.m.

Officer Dane Billingsley and K9 Yaro. (Photo: Provided/CPD)

A news release from the Cincinnati Police Department said Fairfield resident Liz Heet located Yaro and subsequently called police.

"The Cincinnati Police Department is grateful for the cooperation of Ms. Heet, the public, the City of Fairfield Police Department and the Butler County Emergency Management Agency and our local media partners in the effort to locate K9 Yaro," the release said.

So glad to hear it. C u back at work Yaro! https://t.co/sXV05aSRAb — Lions fan (@lionsFan886) April 3, 2016

Just advised K9 Yaro has been located by a resident approx. 4-5 miles from his home and is in good health. Thanks!! — LtC. Paul Neudigate (@paulneudigate) April 3, 2016

Thanks to everyone who shared and helped look for K9 Yaro this morning! We appreciate the assistance. — Cincinnati Police (@CincinnatiPD) April 3, 2016

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