2-year-old gets lost in the forest overnight — hero dog honored for bringing him home

In early April 2025, 12 News reported a miraculous incident where a 2-year-old who spent 16 hours in the wild after escaping home in Seligman was saved by Buford, a local dog. Now, as per the latest development, the adorable dog was reportedly honored by the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office for helping find a missing toddler. The incredible news was shared on the outlet's official YouTube channel on April 22, 2025.

Reportedly, when Boden, the baby, escaped from his home, an immediate search operation began, with a large number of deputies, volunteers, and even a helicopter involved. But nothing worked out, and they simply failed to trace the toddler. However, Scottie Dunton, a local rancher, confirmed that it was his beloved dog, Buford, who guided the little boy to him. When Dunton saw the missing child with his dog, he instantly guessed what might have happened. "I asked him (the boy), I said, 'You walked all night long?' and he said, 'No, I lay under a tree,'" Dunton revealed. But when he asked to confirm if it was Buford who found him and brought him there, the baby agreed.

"He (the dog) loves little kids, and he wouldn't leave them aside. I mean, even down there, he was just sitting right next to him, leaning up against him, and just wanted to make sure that he was ok," he shared. If not for Buford, God knows what would have happened to the baby. "There are a thousand ways for that to go really, really bad, and one good way. And luckily, it turned out to be a good way," Dunton gasped, recalling the incident. A few days after, Buford, as per the outlet, was presented with an honorary search-and-rescue certificate and a vest for his goodwill. Not only that, but Boden, who had shown unbelievable courage, surviving hours alone, and Dunton were also presented with honorary coins, they claimed.

Talking about the positive outcomes of the incident, Buford's owner shared that people from around the world have reached out to him, wanting to send his dog toys and treats for his bravery. The heartwarming footage also showed glimpses of the toddler and his family meeting the dog, whose timely intervention saved a life, and how! Interestingly, Dunton revealed that after Buford got the boy to his land, he went back tracking their footprints and believed that the duo walked together at least for a mile. Now, just like Buford, the American Kennel Club says that dogs have been included in many search and rescue operations, which began with military use of canines to search for war victims. 

Meanwhile, reacting to the news, @theleaddog commented, "Glad to see they gave this dog a vest and badge! Thank you for celebrating this four-legged angel!" Similarly, @tonygalla-kw4hw said, "He is a great dog, and his human seems like a very nice gentleman. Boden is a tough child who is also lucky. Buford probably smelled his scent and knew it was a child. I'll bet Buford stayed with him Monday night and then walked him to his human's house. Buford is a hero." @pennpi said, "Thank God the family is reunited with their little boy. And for Buford, the angel dog, to guide him home. Wishing the family well, and may they never experience this level of worry and stress again!"