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Hero Dog Finds Missing Toddler After 16-Hour Search in Arizona Wilderness
Seligman, Arizona — A two-year-old boy, Boden Allen, is safe and sound after a harrowing 16-hour disappearance in rural Arizona. Boden wandered away from his family home in Seligman, a small town north of Phoenix, on Monday afternoon.
His mother reported him missing within minutes of realizing he wasn’t inside. A massive search effort involving deputies and over 40 search and rescue members ensued, complicated by the presence of mountain lions spotted in the area.
The search came to a heartwarming end Tuesday morning when rancher Scotty Dunton discovered Boden on his property, a remarkable seven miles from the Allen home. Dunton credits his loyal Anatolian Pyrenees, Buford, with the discovery.
Buford, who patrols the property for coyotes, apparently found Boden and stayed by his side, alerting Dunton to the toddler’s presence. Boden told Dunton he had slept under a tree.
Chief Deputy Jeff Newnum of the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office expressed amazement at Boden’s journey, noting the challenging terrain he covered. He praised Buford’s instincts, saying the dog sensed something was amiss and stayed with the child, not viewing him as a threat. As a token of gratitude, the sheriff’s office plans to reward Buford with a well-deserved steak dinner.