{"id":375593,"date":"2026-10-17T14:12:23","date_gmt":"2026-10-17T14:12:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/375593\/"},"modified":"2026-10-17T14:12:23","modified_gmt":"2026-10-17T14:12:23","slug":"leave-a-stick-at-this-100-year-old-statue-in-new-york-and-hell-become-a-spirit-guide-for-your-dog","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/375593\/","title":{"rendered":"Leave a stick at this 100-year-old statue in New York, and he’ll become a ‘spirit guide’ for your dog"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you happen to be meandering through Green-Wood Cemetery<\/a>, located in South Brooklyn<\/a>, you will find the gravestones of several well-known historical figures<\/a>, from artists, musicians, inventors, and business tycoons to Civil War Generals.\u00a0<\/p>\n

But arguably, the most beloved permanent resident of Green-Wood isn\u2019t a person at all.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Meet Rex: Green-Wood\u2019s goodest boy<\/p>\n

Rex, a bronze statue of a Cocker Spaniel, has stood guard over his owner\u2019s plot near the corner of Sycamore and Greenbough Avenues for well over 100 years.\u00a0<\/p>\n

In that time, a little tradition has formed: visitors to the cemetery will place a stick at the front of the plot. In exchange, Rex will become the \u201cspirit guide\u201d for the person\u2019s living dog.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Sometimes, Rex will receive more than just sticks. As Stacy Locke, communications manager for Green-Wood Cemetery, told The Dodo<\/a>, \u201cSomeone also left a picture of a dog there once, maybe their little pet who passed away, as to say, \u2018Rex, look after my little one.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

A dog shrouded in mystery<\/p>\n

Rex is believed to have been the dog of John E. Stow<\/a>, one of the city\u2019s longest-practicing fruit merchants, until his death in 1884. It is unclear if Rex is buried alongside his owner, but most folks seem to think so.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Either way, his memory stays there, reminding us all, as content creator Megan Marod<\/a> put it, that \u201ca dog\u2019s love is forever.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

Other critters found at Green-Wood<\/p>\n

While Rex is the most famous animal statue there, he is not the only one. Several other beloved pets\u2014including dogs\u00a0 Gipsie, Fannie, Little Dace, Laddie, and even a Union Army cavalry horse\u2014were buried with their owners before the cemetery\u2019s board of trustees prohibited animal burials in 1879. According to Secret NYC<\/a>, Green-Wood once hosted an \u201cAll Dogs Go To Heaven\u201d trolley tour through the grounds to highlight some of these canine graves.\u00a0<\/p>\n

In a statement to Secret NYC, Locke noted how Rex has gone from a hidden gem to a lasting \u201csymbol of loyalty and companionship.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s touching to see people leave sticks by the statue, a simple gesture that reminds us of the bond between people and animals. It speaks to how deeply we seek connection\u2014even across time.\u201d<\/p>\n

How to find Rex<\/p>\n

If you\u2019d like to pay Rex a visit, you can find him in Lot 2925, Section 81, beneath a lovely, shady tree. While you\u2019re there, you can also take in the stunning foliage, as the cemetery is also an arboretum.\u00a0<\/p>\n

If you spot a stick, a photo, or even a dog toy resting by Rex\u2019s paws, you\u2019ll know someone entrusted this goodest boy with the very special job of looking after their beloved pup.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n