In a genuine testament to instincts and loyalty, a Yavapai County dog named Buford has earned widespread accolades for leading 2-year-old Bodin Allen to safety after the toddler wandered from his home in Seligman, Arizona. According to a FOX 10 Phoenix report, Buford, an Anatolian Pyrenees, stayed with Bodin through a potentially perilous night in the wilderness. In recognition, the canine was honored with an honorary search-and-rescue certificate and vest from the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office.
Conveyed through the relieved words of the boy's father, Corey Allen, the ordeal unfolded on April 14 when Bodin vanished while his mother was changing his sibling's diaper, venturing seven miles into forbidding terrain riddled with "rocks, trees everywhere," as per a 12 News interview. It's a landscape familiar with the howls of coyotes and fraught with hazards that could have easily spelled tragedy for the young boy, who reportedly had a protective companion to stave off the cold and dangers of the night.
A rancher, who happens to be Buford's owner, Scotty Dunton, found the duo at his property's gate. Recalling the moment in a statement obtained by FOX 10 Phoenix, he posed a question to the young child: "Did you walk all night?" Bodin's response, imbued with a sense of innocent survival, was simple: "No, I slept under a tree," affirming that it was indeed Buford who had guided him to safety.
Since the incident, gifts have poured in from around the world, as noted by Dunton. From chew toys to snacks, Buford's heroic actions have been recognized, turning the Dunton Ranch's doorstep into a tribute to the dog's bravery.
Meanwhile, life has returned to normal for the Allen family. Bodin's father shared that his son is "just active, just exploring all the time," a spirit praised by the Yavapai County Search and Rescue Team. The mostly donation-funded team played a key role in finding Bodin. Those wanting to support future rescue efforts can learn more through the link provided by 12 News.
