Mortality is an unavoidable aspect of every individual’s existence. It is something that no one can evade or conquer, yet it serves as a reminder for us to treat one another kindly and leave a mark on this world that will make it reminisce about us.
Our furry companions may not comprehend their actions or articulate themselves in the same manner we do, but they certainly excel at demonstrating all the love and warmth they harbor for us… their guardians.
This is precisely why their absence is deeply felt. However, this is also a significant reason we cherish their memory for the entirety of our lives.
A Stroll In The Park Becomes A Mystery-Solving Quest
Zach Medlin, a citizen of West Monroe, Louisiana, is a regular attendee at Kiroli Park, accompanied by his Staffordshire terrier, Serena.
As Medlin recounted to The Dodo, Serena was engaged in a game with ducks when he caught sight of a peculiar stone obscured by foliage and branches.
Intrigued, Medlin took on the role of a detective and approached the stone for a closer inspection. After removing the layers of dried leaves, twigs, and pine needles, Medlin ultimately revealed a gravestone.
The first thought that crossed his mind was why the dog’s owners opted to lay him to rest in a park. Nevertheless, upon reading the inscription, Medlin realized one crucial thing – this dog was cherished.
“Buddie, 1928 – 1941 / Born a dog, Died a gentleman”
Though it appears to be a brief inscription, its impact is stronger than countless words. As Medlin expressed to The Dodo:
“It warms my heart to learn that Buddie supported his owners through the Great Depression […] All dogs merit a grave marker.”
Buddie, A Courageous Champion Or A Affectionate Companion?
Fascinated by the words inscribed on the stone, Medlin’s curiosity was matched by Lora Peppers, who amplified the inquiry to a new level.
She shared the tribute, “Buddie The Dog”, on the “Find A Grave” platform, including photographs of the gravestone and her research findings about Buddie.
Essentially, there are two narratives circulating regarding the canine interred in the park.
One account claims Buddie served as a mascot and hero for the local Boy Scouts’ summer camp, as Lora noted in the memorial:
“One of the scouts ventured too far from the group and encountered danger. Buddie the dog began barking furiously to warn everyone and then leaped into the lake. The boys were alerted by the dog’s barks and managed to rescue the drowning boy. Sadly, Buddie wasn’t as fortunate.”
Regrettably, she was unable to locate any proof to substantiate this version, not a single article or written account pertaining to the tale, leaving it as a legend rather than a verified occurrence.
Nonetheless, Peppers was able to uncover that there was a couple who had an Irish Setter named Buddie… Mr. and Mrs. Jones.
It seems Mr. Jones cherished spending moments in Kiroli Park with his beloved dog, likely explaining his decision to bury him there.
The reality may never come to light, but regardless of what it may be, it has united many individuals under Medlin’s Facebook post, with one comment stating:
“Amazing. Eight decades later and Buddie’s legacy has connected 29,000 strangers globally. What a wonderful boy!”