Importance Score: 55 / 100 🔵
A loyal companion animal, a dog credited with guiding a young boy to safety after the child endured a night alone in the rugged Arizona wilderness, is receiving numerous accolades and gifts from well-wishers praising its heroic actions.
Hero Dog Praised Following Arizona Wilderness Rescue
Scotty Dunton, owner of the six-year-old Anatolian Pyrenees named Buford, reported a surge of incoming gifts since two-year-old Boden Allen was successfully rescued. Dunton noted receiving a diverse array of items, including “Toys, chew toys, snacks, you name it, just a little bit of everything,” expressing gratitude for the generosity shown toward Buford.
Recognition and Gratitude
The dog’s owner, Scotty Dunton, mentioned receiving messages from individuals globally following his dog’s rescue mission. Buford has also attained honorary membership with the Yavapai County Search and Rescue Team, who provided him with an identifying vest.
The Search for Missing Child Boden Allen
Details surrounding the child’s disappearance state that Boden strayed from his family’s residence near Seligman on April 14. His father, Cory Allen, indicated he was undertaking roof work while his wife, Sarah Allen, was caring for their infant child.
The parents initially sought assistance from relatives in locating the toddler before alerting the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office. The subsequent search effort involved over 40 rescue personnel and a Department of Public Safety helicopter. Sarah Allen described her emotional state during the ordeal, saying, “I didn’t even know how to process. I looked at his empty bed in the middle of the night, and I’m like this isn’t real, he’s not — how is he not here? How is he out by himself somewhere in the dark?”
Discovery and The Dog’s Role
Approximately 16 hours after Boden’s disappearance, Scotty Dunton, a local rancher, discovered the child on his land. Reports indicate that Buford, the Anatolian Pyrenees, located the boy asleep beneath a tree and guided him back towards Dunton’s ranch property, situated approximately seven miles from the Allen family home.
The rancher had previously reported observing evidence suggesting the child had been accompanied by the dog, Buford, for a distance of at least one mile.
Family’s Reaction and Reunion
Cory Allen shared his profound relief, stating he felt as though divine intervention “sent that dog to rescue my son.” Sarah Allen echoed his sentiments, describing the outcome as “unreal and unbelievable.”
The missing child, Boden, was reportedly reunited with Buford earlier this week. Cory Allen indicated that family life has resumed normalcy, noting that Boden is exhibiting his usual energetic behavior, remaining “active” and “exploring all the time.”