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?
“Miracle Pup: Six-Legged, Double-Tailed Canine Defies Expectations and Flourishes!”
In our diverse world, individuals from both the human and animal kingdom can be born with unforeseen physical abnormalities. While some are greeted with open arms and acceptance, others are subjected to unfavorable treatment and exclusion due to their distinctive traits. An exceptional puppy named Skipper, with six legs and two tails, had to overcome numerous obstacles as she was abandoned by her mother.
Meet Skipper, a delightful crossbreed of Australian Shepherd and Border Collie. She was born on February 16 in Oklahoma alongside eight other siblings, but her situation was far from typical. Unlike her healthy brothers and sisters, Skipper was born with a combination of congenital conditions that made her case a truly miraculous one. In fact, she is believed to be the first of her kind to survive with these conditions. Sadly, her mother abandoned her, but fortunately, she was taken in by Neel Veterinary Hospital where she received the care she needed. Neel Veterinary Hospital recently shared her heartwarming story on their Facebook page.
Have you ever heard of Skipper, the remarkable canine? Well, this furry friend is anything but ordinary. It turns out that Skipper’s uniqueness stems from a rare condition that resulted from her mother’s pregnancy. Vets at the hospital believe that Skipper’s unusual state was caused by an incomplete split of an egg that was supposed to develop into twins. Fascinating, isn’t it?
Despite the challenges Skipper faced early in life, she has managed to overcome them with her tenacity and the timely medical attention she received. Furthermore, Skipper has duplicate organs from her waist down, but they function correctly, ensuring that she stays healthy. All of these factors contribute to making Skipper an extraordinary and one-of-a-kind dog.
Skipper, the six-legged puppy, has been receiving a lot of love and support from people worldwide. Although some worry about her health, her caretakers have reassured everyone that she is doing great and is free from pain or discomfort. Neel Veterinary Hospital has no intention of euthanizing her as they believe that she will lead a happy and fulfilling life. They are excited to see where her journey takes her.
To keep everyone updated, the hospital has created a Facebook page dedicated to Skipper’s progress. The page has already gained over 55 thousand followers, which demonstrates the immense interest and support for Skipper and her unique story.
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