A Boy, A Desert, and A Hero Dog: The Incredible Survival of Bodin Allen | E 160

This episode of The Crux True Survival Story Podcast follows the remarkable tale of 2-year-old Boden Allen who survived a seven-mile journey through the hazardous Arizona desert, thanks to the protective instincts of a ranch dog named Buford. Host Kaycee McIntosh delves into the Allen family's terrifying ordeal, the resilience of young children in wilderness situations, and the heroics of Great Pyrenees dogs. The episode also highlights other incredible child survival stories and provides crucial safety tips to prevent and handle similar incidents.
00:00 Introduction to the Crux True Survival Story Podcast
01:11 Setting the Scene: Arizona's Harsh Desert Environment
04:02 The Disappearance of 2-Year-Old Boden Allen
05:46 The Search and Rescue Efforts
08:00 The Heroic Dog Buford and Boden's Rescue
12:37 Reflections on Child Survival Instincts
14:33 Other Remarkable Child Survival Stories
21:08 Personal Stories and Lessons for Parents
23:51 The Protective Instincts of Working Dogs
28:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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References

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Caplan, A. L. (2022, December 9). Great Pyrenees attacks pack of coyotes to protect animals on Georgia farm: 'Not a normal dog'. People. https://people.com/pets/great-pyrenees-named-casper-attacks-coyote-pack-to-protect-sheep/

Chiu, D. (2025, April 21). Parents speak out after toddler was found walking through wilderness by rancher's dog. People. https://people.com/parents-speak-out-after-toddler-found-by-ranchers-dog-after-walking-through-wilderness-11719081

Gabrielle Sales. (2022, April 15). Dangers of hiking in the desert and safety tips. From One Girl to One World. https://from1girlto1world.com/dangers-of-the-desert/

Golightly, C. (2025, April 18). 'It's like the worst living nightmare any parent can feel,' 2-year-old reunited with family after 7 mile journey through mountain lion territory. 11Alive. https://www.11alive.com/article/news/nation-world/arizona-toddler-found-safe-after-night-missing-in-wilderness/75-b30e1fd8-8f84-4853-83aa-5956c609aca2

Great Pyrenees Club of Southern Ontario. (2024). Great Pyr and Bear - Pet or working dog? https://www.great-pyrenees-club-of-southern-ontario.com/Great-Pyr-and-Bear.html

Happy Puppy Team. (2023, April 21). Great Pyrenees temperament traits. The Happy Puppy Site. https://thehappypuppysite.com/great-pyrenees-temperament/

Mattinson, P. (2023, September 27). Great Pyrenees temperament: What's a Great Pyrenees's personality like? iHeartDogs. https://iheartdogs.com/great-pyrenees-temperament-whats-a-great-pyreneess-personality-like/

Simon, D., & Riess, R. (2019, May 18). Kentucky toddler lost in woods for days is found. Rescuers heard his cries. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/16/us/missing-kentucky-toddler-survived/index.html

Simpson, K. (2016, May 8). Childlike behavior helps kids survive. The Denver Post. https://www.denverpost.com/2006/06/03/childlike-behavior-helps-kids-survive/

US SAR Task Force. (2021, July 23). Child survival – Lost in the woods. https://ussartf.org/child_survival_.htm

Weather Atlas. (2024, May 24). April weather forecast: Arizona, USA. https://www.weather-atlas.com/en/arizona-usa-weather-april

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