Note: We are republishing this story, which originally made the news in April 2021.
A casual walk through Kiroli Park in West Monroe, Louisiana, led Zach Medlin to an unexpected discovery. While his one-eyed Staffordshire terrier, Serena, chased ducks near the lake, Medlin noticed a small square stone partially hidden beneath pine needles and fallen leaves. Curious, he cleared it off—and realized it was a grave marker.
The inscription read: “Buddie, 1928–1941. Born a dog, died a gentleman.” The touching words immediately raised questions. Why was a dog buried in the middle of a 160-acre public park?
Medlin later shared that the marker appeared to honor a deeply loved pet from the Great Depression era. “Knowing that Buddie brought comfort to his owners during such a hard time is really heartwarming,” he said, adding that all dogs deserve to be remembered.
Local legend long suggested that Buddie was once a Boy Scout camp mascot whose barking saved a drowning boy. However, further research paints a different picture. A handwritten note dated 1993 on Findagrave.com, attributed to Mrs. Dee Strickland, explains that Buddie belonged to Mr. and Mrs. Albert H. Jones of Monroe. According to the note, Buddie was a beautiful Irish setter who often visited Kiroli Park for exercise. When the dog passed away, his owner chose to bury him in the same park he loved.
Whether Buddie was a heroic mascot or simply a cherished family companion, one thing is clear: he was deeply loved. His modest gravestone remains a quiet, touching tribute—reminding visitors that even in ordinary places, stories of loyalty, love, and companionship can still be found.