| The only cemetery of its kind in the world, Key | | | | Patches, Bomma, Preacher, Bean Blossom and |
| Underwood Coon Dog Memorial, lies of the beaten | | | | Smoky. Etched on the tombstones not only are the |
| path 7 west of Tuscumbia, AL. Here in a small grassy | | | | names and dates but tributes like "A joy to hunt |
| meadow lies the final resting place of over 200 | | | | with," He wasn't the best but he was the best I |
| authentic coon dogs from all across the United | | | | ever had." |
| States. | | | | There are strict standards for burial in this unique |
| Who started the cemetery and why, you might ask. | | | | cemetery:o The owner must declare that their dog is |
| On Labor Day September 4, 1937 Key Underwood | | | | an authentic coon dog.o A witness must declare that |
| said good-bye to his legendary coon dog, Troop. For | | | | the dog being buried is a coon dogo The local |
| 15 years they had been close friends and hunted | | | | coonhunters' organization must view the coon hound |
| together. The burial spot was a hunting camp where | | | | and declare it is a coon dog. |
| coon hunters from all over came to tell tall tales, | | | | When ask why other dogs can't be buried here the |
| chew tobacco and compare coon hounds. Troop | | | | answers is "You must not know much about coon |
| loved the camp and it was only fitting that he spend | | | | hunters and their dogs, if you think we would |
| eternity there. | | | | contaminate this burial place with poodles and lap |
| Troop was special; he was the best in the region. He | | | | dogs." |
| was said to be "cold nosed," being able to follow cold | | | | Each Labor Day, the Tennessee Valley Coon Hunter's |
| coon tracks until they became fresh. He never left a | | | | Association host a celebration at the cemetery. |
| coons trail until he treed him. | | | | Entertainment includes music, dancing, food and a liar's |
| It wasn't long after Troop was laid to rest that other | | | | contest. Time: 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Official Coon Dog |
| hunters started bring the favorite dogs to be interred | | | | T-shirts and camouflage caps available to purchase. |
| in the cemetery. Even Ralston Purina's Dog of the | | | | Don't miss out on the opportunity to visit; The only |
| Year in 1984 was buried here, Hunters Famous Amos. | | | | cemetery of its kind in the world "Key Underwood |
| Among the dead you'll find names like, Night Ranger, | | | | Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard. |