BUFORD, DOG WHO RESCUED 2-YEAR-OLD BOY LOST IN ARIZONA WILDERNESS, IS SHOWERED WITH GIFTS

The dog who guided a missing 2-year-old boy to safety after a night alone in the Arizona wilderness is being hailed as a hero—and receiving an outpouring of gifts from grateful strangers.

Buford, a 6-year-old Anatolian Pyrenees, has been showered with toys, treats, and more since the dramatic rescue of little Boden Allen.

“People have been sending all kinds of stuff—chew toys, snacks, you name it,” said Buford’s owner, Scotty Dunton, speaking to NBC affiliate KPNX in Phoenix.

Dunton shared that he’s received messages from people around the globe since Buford’s heroic act—and that the brave pup has now been named an honorary member of the Yavapai County Search and Rescue Team, complete with his very own vest.

The rescue came after 2-year-old Boden wandered away from his family’s home in Seligman on April 14. According to KPNX, his father, Cory Allen, had been working on the roof at the time, while his mother, Sarah Allen, was caring for their 1-year-old.

The couple called family members for help searching for Boden and eventually contacted the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office. More than 40 rescuers and a Department of Public Safety helicopter were brought in to assist.

“I didn’t even know how to process,” Sarah told the station. “I looked at his empty bed in the middle of the night, and I’m like, ‘This isn’t real, he’s not — how is he not here? How is he out by himself somewhere in the dark?'”

Dunton, a rancher, said he discovered Boden on his property about 16 hours after the toddler went missing. According to KPNX, it was Buford who found the boy asleep under a tree and then guided him back to Dunton’s ranch—roughly seven miles from the Allens’ home.

Dunton had previously told KPNX that he retraced the boy’s steps and believes Buford escorted him for at least a mile through the rugged terrain.

Cory told the station, “I feel like God sent that dog to rescue my son.”

Sarah added, “It’s unreal, and it’s unbelievable.”

According to KPNX, Boden was reunited with Buford on Monday. Cory shared that life has returned to normal for the family, with Boden back to being his energetic self “active” and “constantly exploring.”