Two-Year-Old Lost In Arizona Desert For 16 Hours Found By Ranch Dog Named Buford

A two-year-old’s disappearance into the Arizona wilderness could have ended in tragedy—but thanks to a watchful ranch dog, it had a heartwarming ending.

Boden Allen wandered away from his home in Seligman, Arizona, on Monday around 5 p.m., sparking a massive overnight search. More than 40 volunteers, along with the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO), searched for over sixteen hours, working tirelessly through the night. Conditions in the desert were treacherous, with cold temperatures and predators in the area. The helicopter search team even reported two mountain lions tracking several search team’s movements.

No one could have imagined that young Boden had managed to walk more than seven miles from home through the rugged terrain. But when the toddler curled up to sleep under a tree, he caught the attention of Buford, an Anatolian Pyrenees who guards the property of rancher Scotty Dunton.

Around 8:20 a.m. the following morning, Dunton noticed Buford at the gate with a blond-haired toddler by his side.

“Going down the driveway and my dog was sitting down there with the little kid,” Dunton told Arizona’s Family. “Just brought him up from the horse pasture and brought him over to the gate and was just hanging out with him.”

When Dunton asked the toddler if he had walked all night, Boden replied, “No, I slept under a tree.” Dunton added, “And I said, ‘well, did my dog find you?’ And he said, ‘yep.’”

Boden had followed Buford back to the house. Buford, sensing the boy needed help, stayed close by his side the entire time.

Dunton was amazed by the child’s toughness, especially given the unforgiving terrain. After Boden got some water and was reunited with his parents, he appeared to be in good condition. Dunton recalled telling him, “Buddy you’re the toughest two-year-old I’ve ever seen.” To which Boden simply replied, “yup.”

Buford was rewarded for his heroism with a steak dinner. “Oh, he’s getting steak dinner tonight, my wife already said,” Dunton shared. “He did a great job.”

And it looks like Buford will be enjoying a second steak—the Sherrif’s department says they plan to drop off one as a thank-you.

Update:

Buford got his steak, has received honorary membership in the Search and Rescue team, and reunited with with Boden in a whirlwind week after the boy’s rescue.