Zach Medlin’s casual stroll around Kiroli Park in West Monroe, Louisiana, revealed a hidden gem that had been undiscovered for years. This was an uplifting discovery. A tiny square stone appeared among the pine needles and fallen leaves, drawing Medlin’s attention.
Curious, Medlin unveiled the stone while his one-eyed Staffordshire terrier, Serena, was busy chasing ducks at the nearby lake.
“Some pine straw covered the inscription,” Medlin revealed to Fox News. “Therefore, in order to read the grave marker’s words, I had to push aside the pine straw.”
The plaque told the tale of Buddie, who was born a dog and passed away a gentleman between 1928 and 1941. Medlin wondered aloud why this dog’s funeral took place in a 160-acre public park.
Medlin deduced from the moving inscription that Buddie was an extraordinary dog who was deeply loved by his family during the difficult Great Depression years.
“Knowing that Buddie provided comfort to his owners during the Great Depression is truly heartening,” Medlin said. “Every dog should have a grave marker.”
According to local legend, Kiroli Park used to be a Boy Scout summer camp, and Buddie was their mascot. The story goes that a boy was about to drown, but Buddie’s brave barks alerted other Scouts, who then pulled him out.
However, careful investigation casts doubt on this story. While looking through newspaper clippings, Lora Peppers came upon a handwritten note on Findagrave.com dated October 18, 1993. A different twist was revealed in the note, which was attributed to Mrs. Dee Strickland: “Mr. and Mrs. Albert H. Jones, 215 Breard St., Monroe, owned the dog, according to Mrs. Dee Strickland.” In 1932, Mrs. Strickland resided with the Jones family. It was a stunning Irish setter.
“Having often brought him to Kiroli Park for exercise, Mr. Jones opted to lay his cherished dog to rest in the same park upon his passing.”
It doesn’t matter if Buddie was a hero to his family or just a troop of youngster Scouts—one thing is certain: Buddie was a really decent youngster. The endearing monument ensures that this remarkable dog’s legacy will live on as a permanent tribute.
The unexpected finding of Buddie’s final resting place brings a touch of warmth to the story of man’s best friend in a world full of inspirational tales. The fact that Medlin discovered this little-known chapter of history should serve as a reminder that stories of bravery, devotion, and love may be found in unexpected places and touched the hearts of everyone who comes across them.
