At first glance, it looked like nothing more than a forgotten stone, half-hidden beneath layers of fallen leaves and pine needles.
But its placement felt intentional—too precise, too personal to be random. As Zach Medlin brushed away the debris, a quiet unease settled over him. This wasn’t a stone meant to be stumbled upon… and what it bore would linger in his mind long after he left the park.
A Hidden Memory in Kiroli Park
Zach had been taking a routine walk through Kiroli Park in West Monroe, Louisiana, with Serena, his one-eyed Staffordshire terrier, happily chasing ducks along the lakeshore. Then he noticed a small square stone, almost entirely concealed beneath pine straw. As he uncovered it, the truth became clear: he was standing before a grave.
The inscription read:
“Buddie, 1928–1941. Born a dog, died a gentleman.”
The words struck Zach immediately—touching, mysterious, and profoundly human. What was a dog’s grave doing in the heart of a 160-acre public park? He later reflected, “It’s comforting to think that Buddie brought joy to his owners during such challenging times. Every dog deserves to be remembered with love and dignity.”
Local lore once suggested that Buddie had been a Boy Scout camp mascot whose alert barking saved a drowning child. While the heroic tale may be more legend than fact, research points to a simpler, more intimate story. A 1993 note on Findagrave.com, written by Mrs. Dee Strickland, explains that Buddie belonged to Mr. and Mrs. Albert H. Jones of Monroe. Buddie, a striking Irish setter, loved visiting Kiroli Park for his daily exercise. When he passed, his owners buried him in the park he had adored most.
Conclusion
Whether Buddie was a hero or simply a beloved companion, his story endures. That small gravestone, quietly resting among the trees, serves as a gentle testament to loyalty, devotion, and the deep bonds between humans and their dogs. For those who chance upon it, Buddie’s resting place offers a moment of reflection—a reminder that love leaves traces in even the most unexpected corners.