I think it's interesting to consider that someone could have used the leash and cross as a clue, an expression of guilt, or even an act of mourning. I doubt that these thoughts provide any answers, but say a pet was buried there … would the owner/person grieving have put the cross up when the pet was buried and then brought the leash later? The leash is in good condition, but the cross could have been there awhile, I'd think. So maybe someone buried a pet there and came back with the leash? I can't imagine burying a pet there and finding the grave again without a marker of some sort, right? Unless general vicinity is enough, which it might also be for someone who felt guilty, etc. And if there is such a someone, would it be more likely for a male or female to do such a thing? Just wondering what others think. I pretty much think it's what it looks like on first glance, i.e., a pet memorial, but anything's possible.