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?
Bachelor Party Takes Unexpected Turn When They Hear Dog Barking In The Mud, Leading to an Unforgettable Rescue Mission.
Bachelor parties are a fun way to celebrate the ending of singlehood and the beginning of married life. Some people go absolutely wild in Vegas, some enjoy a quiet celebration with just a few buddies – there are a plethora of ways to have that last ‘huzzah’. Mitch White planned to have a relaxing canoe trip with his closest buddies. The groom-to-be had no idea that this trip would turn into a rescue mission for an elderly dog stuck in the mud. That’s a bachelor party he surely won’t forget.
Image credits: Carver County Sheriff’s Office
One lovely day, Mitch, a young groom-to-be, gathered his closest friends and set out on a canoe trip to celebrate his upcoming marriage. This bachelor party was supposed to be all about nature and bonding. And is there a better way to bond than rescuing a pup together?
Just after the group had lunch and moved on with their journey, Mitch’s nephew, Gaylen Fraenkel, heard a sad barking. They hadn’t encountered anyone, so it was highly unlikely it was some camper’s dog. The young man decided to turn the canoe around to make sure everything was okay. And good thing he did – a desperate dog was stuck in thick mud and using his last bits of strength to call for help.
Upon closer inspection, they saw that the poor fella was an elderly Saint Bernard. He was very thin and exhausted with a nasty tick attached to his eye. The rest of the group turned their canoes around and jumped in to help. The mud was so deep and thick, everyone sunk up to their knees. But they were relentless in their attempt to rescue the dog, using oars as shovels to dig him out.
Mitch White was out on his bachelor party trip with his closest friends. The guys were canoeing when they heard barking
Image credits: WCCO – CBS Minnesota
When they approached the shore they saw a dog asking for help, completely stuck in the mud
Image credits: WCCO – CBS Minnesota
The guys quickly jumped out and started digging him out, using oars as shovels
Image credits: WCCO – CBS Minnesota
To keep the pooch comfortable, they offered him water, of which he drank half a gallon before stopping. The kind guys shared their lunch with him, giving him some lunch meat and summer sausages. This quick snack was supposed to give him an energy boost to get up. The bachelors named him Wilson and called out his new name in an attempt to get him up, but he was too tired, even after the delicious summer sausages.
The group didn’t want to approach Wilson too closely as they didn’t see any collar and weren’t sure if he was friendly. That’s a good practice when dealing with a dog you don’t know.
Alex, one of Mitch’s friends, decided it was time to call for help and dialed up 911. He explained the situation and they dispatched the Carver Fire Department, who came to Wilson’s aid in 20 minutes. They brought a harness that they were able to get under his chest and the fire department men, together with two of Mitch’s friends, pulled Wilson out of his muddy prison. Hurray!
Image credits: WCCO – CBS Minnesota
Thanks to the kindness of the bachelors and help from the local fire department, the adorable pooch was rescued
Image credits: Carver County Sheriff’s Office
After a successful rescue mission, Wilson was in for another pleasant surprise. Five minutes after he was pulled out of the mud, his owner showed up. He was surprised to see his four-legged pal all covered in mud. “Ed! What are you doing down there in the mud?!” he exclaimed at the sight of his dog. That’s how Mitch and his friends found out they’d been calling Ed the wrong name. Although he does look like a Wilson to me.
A couple of days ago, Mitch got a pleasant surprise when a friend of the owners reached out to him. He wanted to let Ed’s saviors know that he was doing much better, recovering nicely and was already moving around on his own. I bet his owners won’t let him out of their sight now.
Ed, a lovely senior Saint Bernard, was reunited with his owner and is feeling much better
Image credits: WCCO – CBS Minnesota
Adorable Ed was clearly born under a lucky star. Mitch’s party found him just in time to get him to safety. But what if they hadn’t found him?
Owners want the best for their dogs – the best treats, loads of toys and freedom to roam and explore. Unfortunately, letting your dog off the leash can be very dangerous as they can get lost like poor Ed here. They might decide to snack on something dangerous that can result in a stack of medical bills and a long and painful recovery. Keep an eye on your pet to avoid injuries or some malicious person trying to steal your beloved pooch.
Walks with their human are the highlight of any dog’s day and they look forward to it. It’s that one time of the day when they have your undivided attention and love, so try to make the best out of it. Avoid going on your phone or listening to music; instead, try talking to your dog and watch their face light up when you say, ‘hey buddy!’. The more fun activities you do, the stronger the bond you create with your pooch. Look into those eyes and remember that you are everything to them, so make the most of the short time you have together.
People in the comments praised the bachelors for their act of kindness
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