Man Moved To Tears By Message On Remote Woodland Grave

Note: This story, initially reported in April 2021, is being revisited.

In a delightful discovery, Zach Medlin’s casual walk through Kiroli Park in West Monroe, Louisiana, led him to an unexpected find. Amid the scattered leaves and pine needles, he uncovered a small square stone that had been overlooked for years.

As Medlin’s one-eyed Staffordshire terrier, Serena, played near the lake, Medlin’s curiosity prompted him to investigate the stone further.

“The inscription was hidden beneath some pine straw,” Medlin told Fox News. “I had to clear it away to see what the marker said.”

The inscription detailed the story of Buddie, who lived from 1928 to 1941, noting that he was “born a dog and died a gentleman.” Medlin was left wondering why Buddie had been buried in a 160-acre public park.

From the inscription, it was clear that Buddie was a beloved pet who provided great comfort to his family during the Great Depression.

“It’s touching to know that Buddie brought solace to his owners during such difficult times,” Medlin remarked. “Every dog deserves to be remembered with a grave marker.”

Local legend claimed that Kiroli Park used to be a Boy Scout summer camp and that Buddie, their mascot, had once saved a drowning boy by alerting the Scouts.

However, further research complicates this story. Lora Peppers found a handwritten note dated October 18, 1993, on Findagrave.com. The note, from Mrs. Dee Strickland, suggested an alternate story: “According to Mrs. Dee Strickland, the dog belonged to Mr. and Mrs. Albert H. Jones of Monroe. Mrs. Strickland lived with the Jones family in 1932. The dog was an Irish setter.”

It continued, “Mr. Jones often brought him to Kiroli Park for exercise and chose to lay his beloved pet to rest there after his passing.”

Whether Buddie was a scout hero or simply a cherished family pet, one thing is clear—Buddie was a very special dog. The memorial stone remains a touching tribute, preserving the memory of this exceptional animal.

In a world full of heartwarming stories, Buddie’s discovered resting place adds a layer of warmth to the narrative of our loyal companions. Medlin’s find serves as a reminder that even in unexpected places, stories of devotion and bravery can be found, touching the hearts of those who discover them.

Sources: The Dodo