Spooky season is in full swing, meaning there may be some heightened paranormal activity afoot. In fact, a survey conducted by YouGov revealed that two in five Americans believe ghosts are real, while one in five people say they’ve actually encountered one.
The existence of ghosts may be up for debate, but one of the most persistent beliefs is that our animals can sense spirits or paranormal activity. We’ve all witnessed the scene in scary movies or TV shows, when the tiny dog barks at the door but no one is there. Sure, the movie may be fake, but many pet owners have noticed their dog or cat do the same in real life.
Of course, there’s only one thought that enters a pet owner’s mind when this occurs – that their animal is obviously interacting with a ghost. To set the record straight, we spoke with two animal communicators – aka, pet psychics – to learn whether our animals are really channeling the other side.
Why do we believe our pets can see ghosts in the first place? According to Phoebe Hoffman, an animal communicator and intuitive guide based in New York City, it has a lot to do with their heightened senses.
“Pets are living off of energy, whether it’s our energy or energy that we are not privy to, because we’re so limited in our senses compared to them,” Hoffman tells us. “Now, can I say that what they’re seeing is ghosts? I don’t know that because I’ve never seen a ghost. I’m not seeing what they’re seeing, but I’ve had many experiences with my own animals – which happen to be cats – where they are having an absolute moment with something that’s there that only they can witness.”
It goes without saying that animals have senses that are unknown to humans. When it comes to our beloved canines, dogs have the ability to hear much higher-pitched noises than their owners. The average adult human can’t hear sounds above 20,000 Hertz (Hz), while dogs can hear sounds as high as 47,000 to 65,000 Hz, per the American Kennel Club.
Meanwhile, cats are known to have great eyesight, especially in the dark. According to Texas A&M University, felines can dilate their pupils in low-light settings and they have a special reflective layer called the tapetum lucidum, which can reflect more light to the back of the eye.
“Non-human animals sense things in different ways than humans do. Cats, for instance, the way they see things is different from the way humans see things. Their eyesight is different, they can definitely perceive energies that we can’t or things that aren’t visible to the human eye,” Olivia LaBarre, an animal communicator and Reiki specialist based in NYC, tells us. “Most of the animals I communicate with have increased senses beyond the five senses.”
But what about those undeniable moments when our dog or cat appears to be reacting – or interacting – with something we can’t see? When they begin to bark or meow at nothing visible, stand in the corner, play with an object that belonged to a deceased family member, or assume behaviours that are characteristic of a former pet? For LaBarre – who’s been an animal communicator and grief worker for five years – her clients have noticed that, after one of their pets dies, their living animal will even start taking on some of the behaviours of the animal who passed.
When these moments occur, it’s important to look out for certain signs or signals that your dog or cat’s behaviour has suddenly shifted. This can look like playing with something that isn’t there, tilting their head, arching their back, or wagging their tail.
As for what pet owners should do when they believe their beloved animal is interacting with a ghost, experts agree to just sit back and let it happen. “Allow it, observe it, and just pay attention because it might be about you. Humans are very unaware of the mysteries of the universe. Animals, they’re tapped in. They are aware that energy doesn’t die,” says Hoffman. “Just let it happen. It’s not a bad thing.”
However, there could be the slight off chance that a poltergeist from the next Paranormal Activity instalment just so happens to be living in your kitchen. Then, of course, it’s time to call in the experts… or an exorcist.
Our pets’ heightened senses – and sometimes their silly, quirky, and erratic behaviour – has played into the belief that dogs and cats can see ghosts. Still, there’s much uncertainty about whether this long-standing superstition is actually true.
“We are so limited in our ability to see what the naked eye cannot see. Animals have this window into watching spirits and energy,” says Hoffman. “But as far as a ghost? That I don’t know, but I know they’re seeing something.”
Although it continues to be a mystery whether our pets’ senses are able to pick up on energies or spirits, pay close attention to your dog or cat this spooky season. Who knows what life forms will be lurking this Halloween?
The dog went to great lengths to remain by his owner’s grave for 20 days, his unwavering loyalty and love deeply moving the hearts of millions
In a world that often seems chaotic and unpredictable, there is something profoundly touching about the unwavering and steadfast loyalty of a dog. The story of a sorrowful dog, who spent 10 consecutive days beside its owner’s grave, has captured the hearts of millions, reminding us of the incredible bond that can exist between humans and their four-legged companions. This heartwarming tale highlights the depths of love and loyalty that our furry friends are capable of, leaving us with tears in our eyes and warmth in our hearts.
Our story begins in a small, serene cemetery on the outskirts of a quiet town. It was here that a dog, known as Max, and his owner, John, found solace and companionship. Max, a golden retriever with soulful eyes and a heart full of love, had been John’s faithful companion for years. They were inseparable, sharing countless adventures and weathering the storms of life together.
Tragedy struck when John, suffering from a terminal illness, passed away. Max was by his side in his final moments, and the bond between man and dog seemed unbreakable even in death. John was laid to rest in the cemetery he had come to love, and Max’s world was forever altered.
The day of John’s burial was a somber one. As friends and family gathered to say their final goodbyes, Max stood by the graveside, his eyes filled with sorrow. He seemed to understand the finality of the moment, and as the last clumps of soil were shoveled onto the grave, Max let out a mournful howl that pierced the hearts of all who were present. It was a haunting sound, a lament for the loss of his dearest friend, and it echoed through the cemetery, leaving no dry eye in its wake.
After the funeral, Max’s loyalty became even more evident. While the friends and family dispersed, Max remained. He refused to leave John’s side, sitting beside the freshly turned earth as if waiting for his owner’s return. It was a gesture of devotion that tugged at the heartstrings of those who witnessed it. Max’s unwavering presence spoke of a love that transcended death itself.
The days turned into nights, and still, Max did not budge. He was fed and cared for by a few compassionate individuals who couldn’t bear to see him suffer, but he showed no interest in leaving his post. The cemetery caretaker, Mr. Anderson, was deeply moved by Max’s loyalty and decided to keep a watchful eye on the faithful dog.
As the days passed, news of Max’s vigil began to spread, touching the hearts of people far and wide. It wasn’t long before the local media caught wind of the story, and Max’s loyalty became a topic of conversation in the town and beyond. The image of Max, sitting beside John’s grave, became a symbol of enduring love, and people from different walks of life were drawn to the cemetery to witness this remarkable display of loyalty for themselves.
The story of Max’s vigil soon spread to social media, and it wasn’t long before it went viral. Millions of people across the world were moved by the sight of the grieving dog and the tale of his unwavering loyalty. The hashtag #MaxsVigil began trending, and people from all corners of the globe expressed their admiration for Max’s devotion.
But it wasn’t just the online community that was affected by Max’s story. Local businesses and organizations came together to support the faithful dog. They provided food, water, and shelter for Max, ensuring that he was taken care of during his vigil. People began to visit the cemetery regularly, not only to pay their respects to John but also to spend time with Max, providing him with the love and comfort he so clearly needed.
Ten days passed, and still, Max remained at his post. His once-shiny coat had become dusty and matted, and his eyes were filled with a profound sadness. His mournful howls had softened into a whimper, but he never once left John’s side. The resilience of Max’s loyalty became a beacon of hope and an inspiration to all who encountered his story.
The story of Max’s vigil at his owner’s grave had a profound impact on the community. It reminded people of the incredible capacity for love and devotion that dogs possess. Max’s actions weren’t just a random occurrence; they were a testament to the deep bond that can exist between humans and their four-legged companions.
Max’s vigil also raised awareness about the importance of responsible pet ownership. It served as a reminder that dogs are not disposable companions but loyal friends who deserve our love and care in return for their unwavering devotion. Many viewers of Max’s story were moved to adopt or rescue dogs, recognizing the incredible companionship and love that they offer.
As the world watched and waited, the 10th day of Max’s vigil arrived. It was a day that would be etched in the memories of all who had been touched by his story. As the sun dipped below the horizon, Max let out one final, mournful howl. It was as if he was saying his last goodbye to John. With great effort, he rose from his resting place beside the grave, his legs shaky from days of inactivity.
Mr. Anderson, the caretaker, approached Max with a heavy heart. He gently led the weary dog away from the grave, and as Max took his first hesitant steps, the crowd that had gathered to witness the extraordinary vigil began to applaud. It was a bittersweet moment, a tribute to Max’s loyalty and a farewell to a sorrowful chapter in his life.
In the days that followed, Max slowly began to adjust to life without his beloved owner. The sorrow in his eyes didn’t fade entirely, but he found solace in the love and support of the community that had rallied around him. People continued to visit the cemetery to check on Max, and he became a local celebrity of sorts, a symbol of the enduring power of love.
The #MaxsVigil hashtag continued to circulate on social media, and the story of Max’s loyalty served as a reminder of the goodness that exists in the world. It became a source of inspiration for many, a testament to the depth of connection that can exist between humans and their canine companions.
As the years passed, Max’s health began to decline. His once-vibrant spirit was dimmed by the weight of his years, and it became clear that his time on Earth was drawing to a close. The town that had come to love him gathered once again, this time not to witness a vigil but to say their final goodbyes to a faithful friend.
On his last day, Max was surrounded by the people who had come to care for him, and he closed his eyes for the final time with a contented sigh. He was laid to rest beside John, his loyal owner, in the same cemetery where their extraordinary journey had begun. The bond between man and dog, though tested by death, remained unbroken in eternity.
The story of Max’s 10-day vigil at his owner’s grave is a testament to the incredible loyalty and love that dogs can offer. It reminds us that the bond between humans and their four-legged companions is not limited by the constraints of life and death. Max’s story touched the hearts of millions,
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