Anika Markle In a remote part of Arizona, Cory and Sarah Allen lived every parent’s worst nightmare. Their 2-year-old son wandered away from their home in Seligman around 5 p.m. one evening. While Cory worked on the roof and Sarah cared for their infant, the curious toddler slipped away unnoticed, vanishing into the wild landscape that stretched for miles.
As the hours ticked by, panic set in. The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office launched a massive search, calling in over 40 rescuers and even a helicopter from the Department of Public Safety. The situation grew more dire when the helicopter crew spotted two mountain lions nearby. But in the midst of fear and uncertainty, hope arrived from an unexpected source.
Seven long miles from the Allen family’s home, a ranch dog named Buford sensed something was wrong. Buford, an Anatolian Pyrenees, belongs to local rancher Scotty Dunton. On that fateful night, Buford became more than a loyal companion—he became a hero.
Dunton noticed Buford lingering near something unusual. As he approached, he was stunned to find the missing toddler safe beneath the shelter of a tree. The child had only a few scratches on his arm but was otherwise unharmed.
When Dunton gently asked if the little boy had walked all night, the toddler simply replied, “No,” softly repeating the word, “tree, tree.” Dunton asked, “Did you lay down under a tree?” The boy nodded. “Did my dog find you?” Another nod. Buford had done exactly that.
For Cory and Sarah Allen, there’s only one word to describe what happened: miracle. Cory expressed his gratitude through tears, saying, “I feel like God sent that dog to rescue my son.” Sarah echoed his feelings: “It’s unreal. It’s unbelievable.”
After 16 terrifying hours, their little boy was finally back in their arms—safe, sound, and smiling.