October 27, 2022
Many people have reported the ghostly presence of their pets after they have passed over. Have you ever experienced a warm spot on the sofa next to you where your dog used to sleep? Have you heard the distant jangle of dog collar tags, when you know for certain no dogs are around?
Perhaps it is the strong emotional bond we share with our animals that makes these supernatural encounters possible. Here are a few of the most famous spooky encounters people have had with ghost pets and other supernatural forces….
Leona the Rat Terrier
A Rat terrier by the name of Leona is said to haunt the Holly Hotel in Michigan. Leona is thought to be the deceased pet of a former owner, and this ghost dog certainly likes to make her presence known!
World famousParapsychologist Norman Gauthier investigated the hotel in 1989 and declared the site to be ‘loaded with spirits’. Although not alone in haunting the venue, guests report that they hear Leona running up and down the halls, and feel her brushing up against their legs. Chefs working at the hotel have also reported that they hear the little dog barking for breakfast. I guess even ghost dogs are hungry for breakfast?!
The Legend of the Black Dog
There are many legends of black dogs haunting the un-dead, but one story in particular will have the hair standing up on the back of your neck…..
In the area ofHanging Hills, Connecticut, the ghost of a small black dog haunts the area, with legend stipulating that seeing the dog on more than one occasion may spell dire consequences for the observer. The black dog is said to resemble a small spaniel, and many have reported seeing the dog howling - yet making no sound at all…
The legend dates back as far as the 1800’s where it was said that those who met the black dog three times would meet an untimely death.
“If a man shall meet the Black Dog once, it shall be for joy; and if twice, it shall be for sorrow; and the third time, he shall die.”
I guess not all dogs go to heaven after all!
The Curse of Overtoun Bridge
This next story ells of strange encounters on an old bridge, where supernatural forces are blamed for luring many pet dogs to their deaths in front of their helpless owners.
Overtoun Bridge inScotland is an old stone bridge that crosses a 50 foot ravine. The bridge has become known as the ‘Dog Suicide Bridge’, due to an extraordinarily large number of dogs leaping from the bridge, and falling to the ground below.
Since the 1950’s it has been reported that more than 60 dogs have jumped from the bridge. It sparked such great concern locally, that a member of parliament called for action to be taken to warn dog owners of the supernatural danger.
Investigations into these bizarre dog suicides have uncovered similarities in each case. As the dog approaches the bridge they appear to become agitated and bewitched by a strange energy. Ignoring the owners calls, the dogs then leap from the parapet of the bridge to their death below.
Some scholars have offered science-based explanations, claiming the dogs are overcome with the scent of the wildlife around them, which includes mink and pine martins. Yet why is this the only bridge in the area affecting dogs in this way? Scotlands folklore and legends are mired in the supernatural with many locals believing the bridge to be cursed, and the dog suicides an act of the paranormal…
Preston - The Protector of Halloween
Let’s finish off with the heart-warming story of Preston the friendly ghost dog.
Preston the boxer lived in a small town close to Nashville, Tennessee. One gloomy Halloween night, Preston was walking with a small group of children as they were trick-or-treating. Suddenly, a speeding car approached the group, just as a small boy bent over to pick up some candy he had dropped on the road. Preston nudged the child out of the way of the car, but was himself struck and sadly died at the scene.
Sine then, on halloween, many people reportedly hear a dog barking close to the area of the incident, and locals say that if trick-or-treaters are moving too slowly as they cross the road, they have felt the nudge of the ghost dog, pushing them to safety.
Enjoy your Halloween!
Claire Oats
Specialist Animal Kinesiologist B.Sc, Dip Kin
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About the author
Claire Oats is a Specialist Animal Kinesiologist and Canine Behaviourist from Perth. Claire has worked with dogs for the last 25 years and specialises in resolving behaviour problems using Kinesiology techniques to remove physiological, neurological and emotional stress.
Please note: Claire's blog is general advice only. For further information on this topic please consult your veterinarian.
