Ranch Dog Rescues Missing Toddler After 7-Mile Journey Through Arizona Desert

April 16, 2025

Today's good news story comes from Seligman, Arizona.

A missing toddler in Arizona is safe and sound, thanks to an unexpected hero — a ranch dog named Buford.

Two-year-old Boden Allen wandered away from his home on Monday, sparking a massive overnight search. According to the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO), more than 40 volunteers, along with deputies and DPS troopers, searched tirelessly through the evening and into the night.

The conditions were especially dangerous. Megan Fitzgerald, YCSO’s public affairs and government relations director, noted that temperatures had dropped significantly and predators were active during the search.

“There were even two mountain lions spotted during the search last night,” she said.

Sixteen hours after Boden went missing, around 8:20 a.m. the next morning, a rancher named Scotty Dunton reported a young child had wandered onto his property — about seven miles from the boy’s home.

Dunton’s dog Buford had discovered the toddler and guided him up to the gate.

“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.”

Dunton believes Boden may have followed the powerlines that run from his home all the way to the ranch. When he 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.’”

Buford, the loyal ranch dog, is already back on duty — but not without well-deserved recognition.

“Oh, he’s getting steak dinner tonight, my wife already said,” Dunton shared. “He did a great job.”

The YCSO expressed thanks to all who helped, including DPS, search and rescue teams, the Coconino and Mohave County Sheriff’s Offices, the public, and especially Buford, “who stayed with the boy and brought him to safety.”