For every stray with a story, in memory of Buddy.

Meet Buddy — The Dog Who Became a Neighborhood Legend

Hi, my name is Lexie, and this is my beautiful dog, Buddy. For years, I begged my dad for a dog of my own. One day, he brought home a little puppy he found on the side of the road in Holly Springs, Mississippi. He was covered in ticks, fleas, and scabs, but the moment I saw him, I scooped him up and said, “You’re going to be my new buddy.” And just like that, his name was Buddy.

The first few weeks weren’t easy. Buddy was battling mange, worms, and malnutrition from surviving off grass. The vet warned us his chances were slim, but Buddy was a fighter. With love, care, and a little bit of stubbornness, he pulled through and in doing so, became my best friend.

But Buddy wasn’t just a friend to me. He became a friend to everyone in our Kendale Gardens neighborhood. From the time he was a pup, Buddy would greet every neighbor, whether they had two legs or four. He made friends with walkers, kids, mail carriers, and other pets— always ready for a belly rub or a treat.

Just outside the neighborhood, Buddy found a new adventure at Fred’s. The store’s automatic doors opened one day, and Buddy strolled right in like he owned the place. He quickly made himself at home, greeting customers, “helping” unload trucks, and even sneaking a treat or two from the back. The neighborhood loved it so much, they started the Buddy Fund to keep his treat supply stocked.

Buddy became the unofficial mascot of Fred’s (now Dollar General) earning titles like Employee of the Month, helping with pet donation drives, flu shot clinics, and even posing with Santa Paws during the holidays. He was more than a dog; he was family to our entire community.

Today, Buddy’s legacy lives on through this GoFundMe. We’re raising funds to help other “Buddies” —the stray, abandoned, and neglected dogs who need a second chance. Every donation will go toward veterinary care, food, and supplies for dogs we find along the beaten path, just like Buddy once was.

Thank you for reading his story, and thank you for helping us honor his memory by giving other dogs the same love and chance at life he received.