A loyal dog named Buford has received special recognition from the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office after helping rescue a missing toddler in Seligman, Arizona.
The heartwarming incident occurred on April 14 when 2-year-old Boden Allen wandered away from his home while his mother was changing his sibling's diaper. The toddler spent 16 anxious hours missing, during which over 40 people, including deputies and Arizona Department of Public Safety troopers, conducted an extensive search.
The breakthrough came when local rancher Scotty Dunton discovered young Boden standing with Buford at the main gate of his property. When questioned by Dunton, the boy revealed he had spent the night sleeping under a tree before following Buford to safety.
"When I got the little kid to calm down, I asked him if he walked all night," Dunton recalled. "He told me he slept under a tree and confirmed that my dog found him and led him to our property."
In recognition of Buford's heroic actions, the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office presented him with an honorary search-and-rescue certificate and a special vest. The brave young Boden also received a challenge coin celebrating his courageous spirit throughout the ordeal.
The story highlights the remarkable bond between humans and dogs, showcasing how Buford's instincts and companionship helped guide a lost child back to safety through rugged terrain.