ESPN Hunting

The day was sunny and the air was crisp on Mon., Oct. 20, at Coon Dog Cemetery, located in a secluded clearing deep in the woods of the Freedom Hills of Northwest Alabama. The closest towns are Cherokee and Tuscumbia.

On this day, nearly 250 people gathered to pay their respects to "The Merch," an exceptional Coon Dog.

Officially named White Hills The Merchant, "The Merch," as he was affectionately called by his master Raynor Frost of Coudersport, Pa., had achieved Water Champion, Nite Champion and Grand Champion, all in the course of his seven years.

Mr. Frost shared a eulogy to his special dog, his voice choking with emotion as he recounted memories of happy times together and as he described the prowess of the dog and his coon-hunting skills.

Frost also described how he came to "discover" the skills of "The Merch."

"By eight weeks old, the pups were all doing good, so on a hot summer day I took the whole litter up to a creek about a mile from the house. The water was low where I took them to the far side, (so I)…walked to a spot where the water was deep. Then I walked back to the other side and called the pups to me. Only one pup came, having to swim the twenty feet. It was White Hills 'The Merchant,' the only male (of the bunch), the one I would be keeping."

In fact, his skill as a hunter of raccoons is confirmed by six witnesses, who added their testimonials to a request by The Merchant's owner (Frost) to have him buried. All had a special place in the hearts of their owners and all have exhibited exemplary skills. Some might be described simply as man's best friend, while others are champions of the stock.

The memorial service included thankful prayers, songs and a history of the Coon Dog Cemetery given by local cemetery supporter L.O. Bishop, in addition to the eulogy. A solemn burial followed, as onlookers gathered at the grave site.

Attendees were from fourteen states, including Alabama, Mississippi, Texas, California, South Dakota, North Carolina, Missouri, Wisconsin, Florida, Ohio, Louisiana and Tennessee. Approximately 15 media representatives were also in attendance.

The program included a list of "Dog Pall Bearers" (who were present) and Honorary Pall Bearers. The Honorary Pallbearers list included the name of the late Key Underwood, founder of Coon Dog Cemetery. His dog, Troop, was the first to be laid to rest on Labor Day in 1937. The spot has grown to include more than 200 graves of "tried and true" Coon Hounds.