A 2-year-old boy wandered away from his home in Seligman, Arizona, on April 14, disappearing into the vast, rugged desert surrounding his rural property. As daylight faded and temperatures dropped, panic set in. The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office launched a desperate search effort, assembling a 40-person team to comb the dangerous terrain.
What they didn’t know then was that the child was already seven miles away—on foot—and not entirely alone.
A Long, Dangerous Journey
According to the sheriff’s office, the boy traveled through rough, high desert terrain known to be inhabited by mountain lions. A Department of Public Safety (DPS) rescue helicopter reportedly spotted two of the predators during the overnight search.
Sixteen hours after he vanished, the boy was discovered standing at the edge of a ranch driveway—his face dirty, tears in his eyes, and exhaustion written all over him. But right beside him sat Buford, a 5-year-old Great Pyrenees/Anatolian Shepherd mix, calm and watchful.
The Dog Who Chose to Stay
Buford belongs to Scotty and Dawn Dunton, who own Dunton Ranch in nearby Kingman. In a video posted by the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office, Scotty recounted the moment he realized something was off.
“I was driving out the driveway when I noticed Buford sitting by the entrance,” Scotty said. “I look up, and the little kid’s just standing there next to him. I can’t believe that kid made it that far.”
A Natural Guardian
Buford, a livestock guardian dog, wasn’t out looking for the child. But once he found him, his instincts kicked in. “Buford loves kids, so I can imagine he wouldn’t leave him,” Scotty said.
In an email interview with USA TODAY, Dawn Dunton shared more about Buford’s personality: “We chose him from the litter because of his chill demeanor. Buford has always been a natural babysitter, whether it’s baby animals or children.”
It’s believed the boy may have followed a utility road lined with power poles—a path that led him directly to Buford’s territory.
A Miracle in the Making
When the boy was found, he was understandably frightened and hungry. “He was crying, but Scotty was able to comfort him,” Dawn said. “His little face was all dirty, and of course he was hungry and thirsty. He is doing well now after some much-needed rest in the safety of his home.”
Not All Angels Have Wings
In a world where tragedies often unfold in similar circumstances, this story ends in relief—and quiet awe. A small child, lost and vulnerable in the wilderness, was watched over through the night by a dog with no training for search and rescue, just an unshakable instinct to protect.
Buford didn’t just help save a life. He reminded everyone what loyalty and quiet courage look like.
