During a casual walk through Kiroli Park in West Monroe, Louisiana, Zach Medlin discovered a small, hidden gravestone beneath fallen leaves and pine needles that had gone unnoticed for years.

While his dog Serena chased ducks nearby, Medlin’s curiosity was piqued by the stone’s presence.

After clearing away debris, he read the inscription: Buddie, 1928–1941, “born a dog and died a gentleman.”

The touching message suggested Buddie was a beloved companion who provided comfort to his family during the hardships of the Great Depression. Local legend claimed Buddie was once a Boy Scouts’ mascot and heroically saved a drowning boy, but research by Lora Peppers uncovered a more personal story.

According to a 1993 note from Mrs. Dee Strickland, Buddie was an Irish setter owned by Mr. and Mrs. Albert H. Jones, who often exercised the dog in the park and chose to bury him there. Whether Buddie was a hero to the Scouts or simply a cherished family dog, the gravestone serves as a heartfelt tribute to a loyal and exceptional companion. Medlin’s discovery reminds us that even quiet corners of public parks can hold stories of love, courage, and enduring bonds between humans and their best friends.