In a heartwarming discovery, Zach Medlin’s leisurely walk through Kiroli Park in West Monroe, Louisiana, revealed a hidden treasure that had remained unnoticed for many years. Amidst the fallen leaves and pine needles, a small square stone came into view, capturing Medlin’s interest.
While Medlin’s one-eyed Staffordshire terrier, Serena, was preoccupied with chasing ducks near the adjacent lake, Medlin’s inquisitiveness prompted him to uncover the stone.
“The inscription was concealed by some pine straw,” Medlin told Fox News. “So I had to remove the pine straw to read what the grave marker had inscribed.”
The inscription narrated the tale of Buddie, 1928 — 1941, who was born a dog and passed away a gentleman. Medlin found himself contemplating why this dog was interred in a 160-acre public park.
From the touching inscription, Medlin felt that Buddie was an extraordinary dog, profoundly loved by his family during the challenging era of the Great Depression.
“Understanding that Buddie offered solace to his owners during the Great Depression is genuinely uplifting,” Medlin remarked. “Every dog deserves a grave marker.”
Local folklore indicated that Kiroli Park was formerly a summer camp for the Boy Scouts, with Buddie acting as their mascot. According to the legend, Buddie’s courageous barks saved a boy from drowning, alerting other Scouts who were able to rescue him.
However, thorough investigation disputes this story. Lora Peppers, while examining newspaper articles, discovered a handwritten note dated October 18, 1993, on Findagrave.com. The note, attributed to Mrs. Dee Strickland, offered a different perspective: “According to Mrs. Dee Strickland, the dog belonged to Mr. and Mrs. Albert H. Jones, 215 Breard St., Monroe. Mrs. Strickland resided with the Jones family in 1932. The dog was a beautiful Irish setter.
Having frequently taken him to Kiroli Park for exercise, Mr. Jones decided to lay his beloved dog to rest in that very park after his passing.
Regardless of whether Buddie was a hero to a group of Boy Scouts or merely to his family, one undeniable truth persists – Buddie was indeed a very good boy. The touching memorial serves as a lasting tribute, ensuring that the memory of this remarkable dog lives on.
In a world brimming with inspiring tales, the unexpected revelation of Buddie’s resting place adds a layer of warmth to the story of man’s best friend. As Medlin discovered this hidden piece of history, it acts as a reminder that even in the most unremarkable locations, stories of loyalty, bravery, and love can be uncovered, resonating with the hearts of all who come across them.