Family Pets and Their Lasting Legacy

Family pets often become cherished members of the household. When they pass away, families go to great lengths to honor their memory. Some opt for cremation and scatter their pet’s ashes in a favorite park, while others choose to bury their pets, creating a place for remembrance.

A Special Discovery in Kiroli Park

Zach Medlin was walking his dog, Serena, at Kiroli Park in West Monroe, Louisiana, when he stumbled upon a gravestone hidden in the woods. While Serena chased ducks in the nearby lake, Medlin curiously approached the stone, which was partly covered by pine straw. After clearing the debris, he read the inscription: “Buddie, 1928 — 1941. Born a dog / Died a gentleman.”

Why Was Buddie Buried Alone?

Medlin wondered why Buddie, a beloved pet, was buried alone in the park, far from his owner. Perhaps Buddie loved the park so much that his owner chose to let him rest there.

“It warms my heart to know that Buddie carried his owners through the Great Depression,” Medlin reflected. “All dogs deserve a grave marker.”

The Legend of Buddie

Kiroli Park, once a Boy Scout summer camp, is home to a local legend. The story goes that Buddie, the camp’s mascot, saved a Scout from drowning by alerting camp leaders. However, some believe the tale may not be true.

According to a note from 1993, Buddie was actually a family dog owned by Mr. and Mrs. Albert H. Jones. The Jones family frequently visited Kiroli Park, and when Buddie passed, they chose to bury him there.

Buddie’s Resting Place

Regardless of the legend, Buddie’s grave in Kiroli Park is a place of peace, where any dog would be honored to rest.