Two-year-old Bowden Allen went missing from their home in Seligman, Arizona, on April 14, 2025, while his father was working on the roof and his mother was busy taking care of his younger sibling. After the family panicked, the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office sent rescuers and a Department of Public Safety helicopter. The search continued, but Bowden was still not found until well into the night.
Sixteen hours later, Bowden was found by rancher Scotty Dunton, seven miles from their home. Bowden was with Scotty's dog, Buford, a 6-year-old Anatolian Pyrenees. Scotty said Buford was sitting in front of their house and when he saw Bowden, he immediately felt a sense of relief. "I knew he was the missing boy, so I'm just so happy he's alive," Scotty said.
Buford took Bowden back to the ranch and didn't leave him. Scotty helped Bowden, gave him water and asked what happened. The boy said he had been resting under a tree and when asked if Buford had seen him, he replied, "Yes."
Bowden suffered no serious injuries other than scratches. Upon returning to his family, Cory, Bowden's father, expressed his gratitude, saying, "It's like God sent Buford to save my son." The dog continues to be loved and given gifts by people in gratitude for his kindness.
