Missing toddler who walked 7 miles alone through Arizona wilderness led to safety by rancher's dog

"I got in my truck to go to town and I see Buford walking down the side of the fence with a little blond kid with him."

"He went through some rough country, it's all mountains and canyons and boulder piles, and it's rough for adults, let alone for 2-year-old kids."

"The rancher traced the boy's steps and found the dog had escorted him for at least a mile."

"He loves kids, and I imagine he wouldn't leave him once he'd found him."

A 2-year-old boy from Seligman, Arizona, spent the night alone in wilderness, covering 7 miles in challenging conditions, including mountain lion territory. Rescuers searched vigorously for him after he disappeared from home, but it was a rancher's dog, Buford, who ultimately guided him to safety. Found in good shape after 16 hours, the boy had rested under a tree rather than walking all night. The rancher emphasized the challenging terrain and noted Buford's protective nature, suggesting the dog didn't leave the boy's side during the ordeal.

Read at TODAY.com