During a peaceful walk through Kiroli Park in West Monroe, Louisiana, Zach Medlin stumbled upon a discovery that quietly touched his heart; among fallen leaves and scattered pine needles, a small square gravestone caught his eye, while his one-eyed Staffordshire terrier, Serena, busily chased ducks near the lake.
Approaching the stone, Medlin gently cleared the pine straw that partially covered its inscription, revealing the story of Buddie, 1928–1941, “born a dog and died a gentleman,” words that reflected deep affection and devotion, leaving him to wonder why such a cherished companion had been laid to rest in a public park spanning 160 acres.
He thought about the comfort Buddie must have provided his family during the difficult years of the Great Depression, reflecting, “Knowing that Buddie offered solace during hard times is truly heartening,” and noting that every dog deserves recognition, a simple marker honoring a life full of loyalty and love.
Local stories told that Buddie had once served as a mascot for a Boy Scout summer camp at Kiroli Park, even heroically barking to alert Scouts of a drowning boy, yet further research suggested a more personal tale, rooted not in public heroics but in family devotion.
A handwritten note from 1993 by Mrs. Dee Strickland, found on Findagrave.com, explained that Buddie belonged to Mr. and Mrs. Albert H. Jones of Monroe, an Irish setter often brought to the park for exercise, and that his resting place there was chosen simply because the park was a special place for the family.
Whether Buddie’s story involves heroic deeds for the Scouts or the quiet loyalty he showed his family, one fact remains clear: he was an exceptional dog, remembered through the simple elegance of a gravestone that celebrates courage, devotion, and love.
Medlin’s encounter with Buddie’s marker served as a gentle reminder that even ordinary places can hold extraordinary stories, revealing narratives of companionship and loyalty hidden among leaves, paths, and quiet corners of a public park.
The gravestone stands as a lasting tribute, honoring a four-legged friend whose life bridged generations and left a mark on the community, reminding visitors that bonds between humans and their pets are worthy of recognition and reverence.
Buddie’s resting place in Kiroli Park now inspires those who come across it, offering a touching reminder of the power of devotion, courage, and love, and proving that even small, unassuming corners of the world can hold profound stories of loyalty and heartfelt connection.