A little tribute to an obsession!
I’ve never owned a coonhound, but I’ve wanted one ever since I cried over Little Ann and Big Dan in Where the Red Fern Grows.
My obsession is not logical. I don’t know much about coonhounds, but, oh, their eyes, ears, energy, excitement, loyalty, and cuddles.
Imagine my excitement when my husband orchestrated a surprise trip, forty minutes off of the path of our travels, to visit Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard in Cherokee, Alabama.
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I saw the graveyard sign. Then I realized on our travels to Alabama, I’d relayed to him one of my favorite scenes in the movie Sweet Home Alabama.
This well-kept hideaway nestled in the Alabama woods is about four miles off the main road.
Memorials and grave markers of all kinds and descriptions honor beloved hounds.
Some owners left their loyal hunting companion’s collar on the headstone.
Many champion coonhounds buried there have impressive accolades.
Visitors leave pennies to honor particularly touching memorials.
Owners give their dogs such fun names. Did you find the owner named Roberson?
To qualify for burial in the cemetery, dogs must meet three criteria. The owner must claim their pet is an authentic coon dog, a witness must declare the deceased was a coon dog, and a member of the Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard, Inc. must view the coonhound and declare it as such.
For the twenty minutes we strolled the cemetery grounds, we were the only ones there, but the guest book shows there have been many other eager visitors.
Obviously, owners loved their pets buried in this one-of-a-kind cemetery with over 185 plots. What a unique, romantic gesture my husband surprised me with. Now, if I can only convince him we need a coonhound!
I loved Where The Red Fern Grows and Sweet Home Alabama, so I think it was a super sweet gesture ☺️