On April 5, 2025, a 2-year-old boy named Boden Allen went missing in the rugged wilderness near Cordes Lakes, Arizona. For nearly 16 hours, Boden wandered alone through harsh terrain, covering more than 7 miles — barefoot and with no food or water. The situation was desperate.

But then came a hero.

Buford, a ranch dog belonging to local ranchers, noticed the boy and did something extraordinary. He stayed with Boden, guiding him down to a remote cabin. Thanks to Buford’s quiet courage and instinct, ranchers spotted the boy and were able to rescue him before anything worse could happen.

In a time when tragic endings often make the news, Buford’s story stands out as a beacon of hope — a reminder of the incredible bond between animals and people, and the quiet bravery dogs show when it matters most.

Buford deserves national recognition for his heroism. That’s why we are calling for him to be nominated for the American Humane Hero Dog Awards in the “Emerging Hero” category.

These awards honor dogs who have made a significant impact on the lives of individuals or communities. Buford’s story is a perfect example of that kind of impact — a life saved, a family reunited, and a community inspired.

Help us honor Buford by supporting this petition. Let’s shine a light on a good dog who did a great thing.