Scotty Dunton, the owner of a 6-year-old Anatolian Pyrenees named Buford, shared that presents have been arriving at his doorstep ever since Buford heroically rescued Boden Allen.
A remarkable dog, Buford, guided a 2-year-old boy to safety after the child spent a night alone in the Arizona wilderness last week, earning widespread admiration and an outpouring of gifts from people touched by his bravery. Scotty Dunton, who cares for the 6-year-old Anatolian Pyrenees named Buford, noted that packages have been showing up at his home following Boden Allen’s safe return.
“Treats, toys, chew bones, and all sorts of goodies—people have sent a bit of everything,” Dunton shared with NBC affiliate KPNX in Phoenix.
Dunton mentioned that messages of support have poured in from around the globe since Buford’s heroic act. The Yavapai County Search and Rescue Team honored Buford by making him an honorary member and presenting him with a special vest. On April 14, Boden wandered away from his family’s home in Seligman. Cory Allen, Boden’s father, explained to KPNX that he was working on the roof while his wife, Sarah Allen, was caring for their 1-year-old child.
The Allens quickly rallied family members to search for Boden and soon contacted the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office. Over 40 rescuers, along with a Department of Public Safety helicopter, joined the effort to find the toddler.
“I couldn’t even process it,” Sarah shared with KPNX. “In the middle of the night, I stared at his empty bed, thinking, ‘This can’t be real. How is he out there alone in the dark?’”
Dunton, a rancher, recounted that approximately 16 hours after Boden went missing, he discovered the toddler on his property. According to KPNX, Buford found Boden sleeping beneath a tree and gently guided him back to Dunton’s ranch, located about 7 miles from the Allens’ home.
Dunton previously told KPNX that he retraced Boden’s path and determined that Buford had accompanied the child for at least a mile.
Cory expressed his gratitude, telling the station, “I truly believe God sent that dog to save my son.”
Sarah added, “It’s incredible, almost beyond belief.”
KPNX reported that Boden and Buford were reunited on Monday. Cory noted that life has returned to normal for their family, with Boden remaining “active” and “always exploring.”
