Lost toddler spent 16 hours in the wilderness — until a dog rescued and guarded him
Children can be wild, especially when parents aren't watching. From wanting to explore abandoned buildings to close-up interactions with animals, kids fear nothing. Needless to say, they need constant monitoring; otherwise, they may end up in dangerous situations, which may lead to them risking or losing their lives. A similar distressing situation unfolded when a toddler escaped from his home in Seligman, walking straight into the remote Arizona wilderness. However, thankfully, the boy was eventually led to safety, thanks to his newfound bestie — an adorable dog. Fortunately, even after spending an entire night in the wilderness, a home to deadly animals, this toddler survived without any injuries, as reported by 12 News.
Shortly after the boy went missing, an immediate search operation was launched with deputies, volunteers, and even a helicopter was engaged in finding the boy. But it was Scottie Dunton's dog — Buford — who guided the little boy back to safety. "There are a thousand ways for that to go really, really bad, and one good way. And luckily, it turned out to be the good way," Dunton said, recalling the incredible incident. 16 hours after the boy walked away from his home, Dunton found him on his land 7 miles away. The rancher was aware of the missing boy's news, so when he saw Buford walking with a toddler, Dunton instantly knew this was the same boy. "I asked him, I said, 'You walked all night long?' and he said, 'No, I lay under a tree,'" the man shared.
Further, when Dunton asked the boy if it was Buford who found him, he agreed, informing him that he followed the dog until the house. Dunton wasn't very surprised, as he always knew that his dog was a guardian by nature, revealing that Buford went out each night, as if patrolling the nearby areas. "He 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," Dunton said.
The exceptional story received an outpouring of love, with people praising the dog's instinct in bringing the child back to safety. For example, @suzannesanchez4864 commented, "The little boy's angels were protecting him from any harm, and the angel dog guided this precious boy to the safety of his home. Beautiful blessing, the little one is safe." Similarly, @suemccann2010 wrote, "WOW! What a great story and happy as heck ending! I bet those parents are so grateful for this big puppy dog! What a good boy! Give him lots of steaks for his reward, lol. Glad the little kid is alright! Thank God!
On the other hand, @conniestahl9182 shared, "God led that dog to the child. I am just so happy the child is safe, and what is better than being saved by a four-legged fur baby?" @nonapeck-b9r said, "I am so happy for the boy and dog. Thank you, Lord God, for all creatures great and small! So glad the child is safe. Buford deserves a steak dinner." Meanwhile, @itsmehello555 commented, "What a great ending to this. Amazing dog! Put Buford on a diet! So he can live longer and be healthy." On a lighter note, @ronp-eb9bh pointed out, "That boy will be a Special Forces operator one day. Mark my words."