Among the many trees lining the corridors of Stanly Commons as part of Tillery Compassionate Care’s Festival of Trees, one honors two “unorthodox” members of the Austin and Lindsey Burleson family.
“Pet owners can relate,” said Lindsey.
Since 2020, the Burlesons have sponsored a tree honoring their two departed dogs, Diesel (a mixed breed) and Teddy (a Yorkshire Terrier), in the annual event.
“They were part of our family,” she added, “and that’s exactly why we want to remember them in this way.”
The couple owned and cared for the two dogs for several years before they died five months apart in 2020.

Lindsey Burleson, left Maverick Burleson and Austin Burleson surround a tree at Stanly Commons honoring two deceased family members, dogs owned by Lindsey and Austin who died months apart in 2020. Not pictured is the latest addition to the family, son Callan. (Photo by TOBY THORPE)

“Teddy passed away first, in May, and Diesel died in November,” the two recalled, adding that the dogs were 12 years old and 14 years old, respectively.
“The two of them were like a couple of grumpy old men,” Lindsey recalled. “They just seemed to co-exist. But after Teddy passed away, we could see that Diesel missed him.”
The Burlesons’ loss turned out to be short-lived, however, as Lindsey discovered she was expecting the couple’s first child soon after Diesel passed on. Since then, their son Maverick has kept them busy as parents of a different kind, and the two were blessed in October with the birth of their second son, Callan.
“We will get another dog or dogs some day,” said Lindsey.
“Other dog owners can identify with what we went through,” added Austin. “It resonates with those who are dog lovers.”

Toby Thorpe is a freelance writer for The Stanly News & Press.