I'm thinking Buford met up with Boden under the tree and they both spent the night together. And the mountain lions saw Buford & let Boden be...

Buford on Alert!

Boden

Buford at rest...

...that's what I'm thinking...

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/rancher-dog-rescues-child-boden-allen-yavapai-seligman-arizona/