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?
Dog’s Unwavering Trust in Owner, Clinging to Him During Walk, Warms Hearts
Amidst the chaos and demands of everyday life, there are those small, precious moments that have the power to make us smile, often when we least expect it. These moments serve as reminders of our fondest memories, cherished friendships, or beloved pets. Recently, a heartwarming photograph captured one such moment, spreading joy and warmth across the internet.
The image depicts a young boy carrying his loyal dog to the market early in the morning. This simple act touched the hearts of many and prompted an outpouring of positivity, accumulating up to 17,000 likes and hundreds of heartfelt comments.
Bui Tu Anh, a viewer of the photograph, was transported back to his own childhood memories as he gazed at the image. He reminisced about his spacious garden, where he raised dogs, cats, rabbits, and chickens. The sheer joy of nurturing these animals and spending carefree moments with them was enough to create lasting, beautiful memories.
The photograph’s magic lies in the dog’s endearing gesture of wrapping its forelimbs around its owner, a gesture that melts the hearts of all who see it. Perhaps, the boy is too young to understand his pet’s fear of falling, but he knows the remedy lies in holding his furry friend close as they journey together on the bike.
The photographer behind this heartwarming image, Ngan Ha, shared her story. She had visited Don Market in Phu Binh, Thai Nguyen, and encountered this scene that touched her deeply. Being an animal lover herself, she couldn’t resist capturing this special moment. She added, “I have pet dogs at home, so whenever I see a dog, I connect with it. This boy reminds me of my own childhood.”
To Ngan Ha’s surprise, her hastily taken photos at the market resonated strongly with the online community, sparking conversations and nostalgia about youthful memories with family pets.
The charming image of the boy and his loyal companion on their market adventure reignited the fond memories of countless people who had grown up with beloved pets. They recalled the times when pets were like family members, accompanying them on village adventures, or patiently sitting in carts with three-wheel platforms.
Sharing their stories, readers fondly remembered their own pets and their unique quirks. From daring bicycle rides with dogs to cats eagerly awaiting their owners at the school gate, these tales of companionship and love filled the comments section.
One commenter, Suy Huynh, even humorously pledged to save money and raise Pitbulls to spend their lives together in blissful companionship.
Today, pets are more than just animals; they provide companionship, emotional support, and reduce feelings of loneliness and stress. They boost self-esteem and bring forth positive emotions, especially in children. While many consider their pets as family members, there are situations where the human-animal relationship becomes strained, leading to pet abandonment. Various reasons, such as lack of time, financial hardship, unexpected litters, family dynamics, or changes in the household, can result in this unfortunate outcome.
However, the experience of abandoned animals on the streets varies greatly. Some are fortunate enough to find new loving homes, while others face a harsher fate. The challenges and outcomes these animals encounter serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership and the need to support animal welfare initiatives.
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