| Dogs and man have always had a close relationship. | | | | will tell stories about haunted places that their dogs |
| They have helped us with numerous tasks, and we in | | | | have been near. Some stories tell about how the dog |
| turn have provided them with shelter, food and love. | | | | will refuse to walk into the haunted place, and even |
| But there is a host of time-honored traditions involving | | | | have their hackles raised at some apparent apparition |
| the dog and we humans. Probably the most famous | | | | which is invisible to the human eye. And the black dog |
| of stories are the ones about dogs that have pined to | | | | is very much feared in some cultures as the harbinger |
| death after their owners have died. Even some of | | | | of death and disaster. It is even claimed that the devil |
| these stories are recorded and considered to be true. | | | | will sometimes take the form of a dog while traveling |
| Dogs lovers abound, and most of us consider meeting | | | | along on his diabolical activities. |
| a dog a lucky event. This is especially true according | | | | Many people dread the howling of a dog for no |
| to tradition if the dog is black and white spotted, such | | | | apparent reason. The thought is that the dog has |
| as a Dalmatian. In the sporting community, a greyhound | | | | detected the presence of unseen apparitions or evil |
| sporting a white spot on its forehead is thought to | | | | forces and is warning its owners of someone's |
| guarantee one's good fortune. In other circles however, | | | | imminent demise. Back in Medieval Poland and |
| there are those who become very nervous if followed | | | | Germany, it was thought that a group of dogs howling |
| be an unknown dog, especially a black one. In fact, in | | | | incessantly meant the approach of the plague. It was |
| Scotland and Lancashire this is considered to be an | | | | also thought that if a howling dog is driven away, but |
| omen of death. Interestingly though, in West Country | | | | soon returns to resume its vocalization, this is certainly |
| lore being followed by a black dog is considered to be | | | | an omen of death. On the other hand, if a dog howls |
| lucky. | | | | three times and then remains silent, it is a sign that a |
| A dog's behavior is traditionally said to reveal a lot of | | | | death has already taken place. Also, it was once |
| things. For example, if a dog scratches himself, but | | | | believed that if a dog howled on Christmas Eve it will |
| seems sleepy, then a change in the weather will occur. | | | | be fated to go mad before the end of the year. |
| If a dog eats grass or rolls in the dust, then rain may | | | | Consequently, many otherwise healthy animals were |
| be expected. And according to US folklore, if a dog | | | | destroyed as a result of this belief. |
| falls asleep with its paws drawn up and its tail pointing | | | | Our faithful companion the dog has a lot of surprising |
| straight out, then death will appear in the direction that | | | | superstitions and folklore that shroud its past. Many |
| the tail was pointing. | | | | people today probably don't know even know one of |
| There are lots of superstitions regarding dogs and | | | | these old superstitions about our dogs. But that's O.K. |
| death and the afterlife. Since dogs are widely known | | | | We're just too busy enjoying our pooches as our best |
| to have psychic susceptibilities, many of their owners | | | | friends and companions for life. |