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Instead Of Flowers, People Leave Sticks At This Dog's Grave

October 21, 2024

In the heart of Brooklyn’s Green-Wood Cemetery, a 478-acre resting place for war heroes, famous artists, and even a few beloved pets, there lies a bronze statue of a dog named Rex.

The Green-Wood Cemetery / Facebook

Among the angels, obelisks, and grand memorials, Rex’s statue sits humbly beside the grave of his owner, John E. Stow, a fruit merchant who passed away in 1884. Though it’s uncertain if Rex himself is buried there, the statue has drawn a loyal following, with visitors paying tribute to the canine in a heartwarming way—by leaving sticks on his paws.

It’s a fitting tribute, considering that most dogs love a good stick. Rather than bringing flowers, as people often do when visiting graves, visitors honor Rex’s memory with a gesture that reflects a dog’s simple joys.

Sticks left for Rex

According to Stacy Locke, Green-Wood Cemetery’s Communications Manager, this touching tradition has become a special part of the site.

“People will drop a stick across his little paws. Someone even left a picture of a dog once, perhaps asking Rex to watch over their own pet in the afterlife,” she said.

Green-Wood Cemetery, founded in 1838, is more than a burial ground; it’s a historic site that inspired the creation of famous public parks like Central Park and Prospect Park. With over 570,000 residents, the cemetery is a place of reverence and history, but Rex’s resting spot adds a uniquely personal touch to its hallowed grounds.

This simple act of leaving sticks on a dog’s grave serves as a reminder of the bond between humans and animals, a bond that transcends time.