A 2-year-old boy is safe after walking seven miles from his home in the harsh northern Arizona desert, thanks to the timely intervention of a ranch dog named Buford.
The toddler, Boden Allen, wandered away from his home in Seligman on Monday, prompting a massive search by over 40 volunteers, multiple deputies, and Arizona Department of Public Safety troopers. The search continued through the night, with temperatures dropping significantly and the presence of dangerous wildlife, including two mountain lions spotted during the search, according to Megan Fitzgerald, public affairs director for the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office.
The child’s whereabouts remained unknown until 16 hours later, around 8:20 a.m. Tuesday, when rancher Scotty Dunton reported seeing a young child on his property. Deputies confirmed it was Boden, who was found approximately seven miles from his home.
Dunton credited his ranch dog, Buford, with finding Boden while patrolling the property. The dog likely guided the toddler to safety after discovering him in the rugged terrain.
“Going down the driveway, my dog was sitting there with the little kid,” Dunton explained. “He brought him up from the horse pasture and brought him over to the gate, just hanging out with him.”
Fitzgerald noted that such cases rarely end with such a positive outcome. “It is not every day we get to talk about a happy ending where the child was safe and located,” she said.
Although deputies are relieved to have found Boden safe, the mystery remains as to how the toddler managed to cover seven miles. Dunton speculated that Boden may have followed the powerlines, which run directly to his property.
When asked if he had walked all night, Boden replied, “No, I slept under a tree.” Dunton added, “He said, ‘Yep, my dog found me,’” pointing to the possibility that Buford helped guide the child along the way.
As for Buford, the ranch dog received a well-deserved reward. “He’s getting a steak dinner tonight, my wife already said,” Dunton joked. “He did a great job.”
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