During a peaceful stroll through Kiroli Park in West Monroe, Louisiana, Zach Medlin never expected to uncover a forgotten piece of history—one that would bring him to tears.
As his dog Serena darted off to chase ducks near a quiet pond, something half-buried beneath a blanket of pine needles and fallen leaves caught Medlin’s eye. Brushing the debris away, he revealed a small, weathered gravestone with a poignant inscription:
“Buddie, 1928–1941 – Born a dog, died a gentleman.”
The simple yet deeply touching message hinted at a life filled with loyalty and love—likely one that brought comfort and joy during the dark days of the Great Depression.
Local legends whispered that Buddie was once the brave mascot of a group of Boy Scouts, even saving a young boy from drowning. But later research by historian Lora Peppers revealed a more intimate truth. According to a handwritten note from 1993 by Mrs. Dee Strickland, Buddie was an Irish setter cherished by Mr. and Mrs. Albert H. Jones, who often walked their beloved dog through the park. When Buddie passed, they laid him to rest in his favorite place.
Whether a Scout hero or simply a dearly loved pet, Buddie’s gravestone stands as a quiet but powerful testament to the bond between humans and their animals—a reminder that even in the most unassuming corners of nature, stories of devotion and heartache endure.
Medlin’s discovery is more than a chance encounter—it’s a tribute to the timeless love we share with our four-legged companions.
