A Ranch Dog’s Heroic Patrol Saves Missing Toddler in Arizona Wilderness

In a story that feels pulled from the pages of a children’s book, a two-year-old Arizona boy is safe today thanks to the unlikely heroism of a ranch dog named Buford.

Boden Allen, the toddler who vanished from his family’s property in Seligman on Monday evening, spent the night alone in the rugged high desert—territory known to be home to mountain lions. With nothing but a tank top and pajama pants, Boden trekked seven miles from home.

That’s when Buford, a Great Pyrenees-Anatolian mix known for his nightly patrols of Dunton Ranch in Kingman, came upon the boy and escorted him to safety. The dog’s owner, rancher Scotty Dunton, had just heard about the missing child and couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw Boden standing beside Buford at the ranch gate.

“I look up and the little kid’s standing there with my dog,” Dunton told reporters, still stunned by the outcome.

Search and rescue teams, including helicopters, had scoured the harsh desert terrain for 16 hours and even encountered two mountain lions during the search.

Boden, who told Dunton he had slept under a tree, had only minor scratches and was quickly reunited with his grateful family.

Buford’s reward? A hero’s welcome—and a well-earned steak dinner.

🐾 Watch Buford’s big moment and the full rescue recap, courtesy of NBC News: