Buddie was a very good boy.
Zach Medlin was walking his dog in West Monroe, Louisiana’s Kiroli Park when he discovered something he’d never observed before. Between the fallen leaves and pine needles, a little square stone could be seen.
Serena, Medlin’s one-eyed Staffordshire terrier, was far more interested in pursuing ducks in the neighboring lake than in chasing ducks. Medlin, on the other hand, was curious and dug up the stone.
“Some pine needles hid the lettering,” Medlin told The Dodo. “As a result, I had to sweep the pine straw out of the way to see what was written on the burial plaque.”
“Buddie, 1928 — 1941,” the plaque stated. “I was born a dog, but I died a gentleman.”
Medlin was perplexed as to why this dog was alone in a 160-acre public park.
Buddie was a terrific dog who was dearly loved by his family all those years ago, as Medlin could see from the poignant inscription.
“Knowing that Buddie helped his owners get through the Great Depression warms my heart,” Medlin added. “Every dog deserves a gravestone.”
According to local folklore, the park used to be a Boy Scout summer camp, and its mascot was a dog named Buddie. A boy swimming in the water began to drown one day. Buddie saw the youngster and began barking, which alerted the other Scouts, who were able to save him.
This notion, however, appears to be debunked by study. Lora Peppers stated on Findagrave.com, “While I was reading media articles outlining the tale, I found a copy of a handwritten message dated October 18, 1993.” “It reads, ‘The dog belonged to Mr. and Mrs. Albert H. Jones, 215 Breard St., Monroe, according to Mrs. Dee Strickland.’ In 1932, Mrs. Strickland resided with the Jones [family]. The dog in question was a stunning Irish setter. Mr. Jones used to take him to Kiroli Park to run, so he decided to bury him there after he died.'”
Buddie was definitely a wonderful youngster, whether he was a hero to a bunch of Boy Scouts or simply his family. And the touching monument ensures that his legacy will live on.