After a night missing from his family’s home near Seligman, Arizona, two-year-old Boden Allen was found safe on April 15, 2025. Beside him was a ranch dog named Buford.
Rancher Scotty Dunton spotted the pair near his entrance that morning and contacted authorities. Deputies confirmed the child’s identity.
A search through the night
Arizona’s Family’s original reporting, carried by KOLD, said Boden had disappeared on Monday, April 14. Volunteers and law enforcement searched overnight.
Around 8:20 the following morning, roughly 16 hours into the search, Dunton reported the child on his property, about seven miles from home.
Dunton credited Buford with finding Boden while patrolling and guiding him toward the ranch entrance. Authorities reported the boy safe.
The exact route remains uncertain. The distance between the properties should not be mistaken for a fully reconstructed journey.
What is known about Buford’s role
The dog’s presence helped bring the search to a welcome end. The available account does not establish how long he accompanied Boden.
Searchers also reported seeing mountain lions in the area. That does not mean the animals approached the toddler or that Buford fought them.
These distinctions leave the central story intact: a missing child reached a ranch, and its dog was credited with helping him.
A reunion and an honorary certificate
The story continued after the initial rescue.
In an April 23 follow-up, Arizona’s Family reported that the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office had arranged a reunion for Boden’s family and Buford.
The dog received an Honorary Search & Rescue certificate recognizing his role and the comfort the outcome brought to the family and community.
A frightening night had ended with Boden found safe. The later gathering gave his family and local officials an opportunity to recognize the dog beside him when help arrived.
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