EARTH ANGELS: Are dogs Even More Than Man’s Best Friend?

As a paranormal researcher and native Chicagoan, my supernatural adventures started when I was a young child. As some of you know, my mom was a schoolteacher, and my dad was a cop who retired when I was very small. Before I started school, Dad was “Mr. Mom,” and back then, that usually consisted of him taking me for drives around the city to visit his friends and family during the day—and ending up at one of any number of taverns that he liked to frequent. To his credit, Dad tried to teach me some stuff during our “bumming around” as he called it, and so we frequently went to historic sites, cemeteries, and other places where he would regale me with thrilling stories of the city’s past—including the first ghost stories I ever heard.

One of my favorite places he took me was the site of the infamous  St. Valentine’s Day Massacre of 1929—today a parking lot and grassy patch of trees in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. It was from my dad that I first heard that the site was haunted. Passers-by, he told me, would hear the sound of machine gun fire, see shadowy figures floating over the ground, and feel a deep sense of darkness radiating from the property. Later, I would learn the truly gruesome details of the event: of the seven victims who’d be sprayed with Tommy gun blasts and finished off with shotgun slugs. I’d learn how the episode had rocked not only Chicago but the world, and how it had forever secured Al Capone’s legacy as the most notorious gangster of all time.

But back then, there was only one thing I was really interested in.

Waiting for the dogs.

Dad told me that a dog couldn’t walk past the site of the Massacre without howling and whimpering—or growling and snarling--at the empty lot. He’d tell me to sit on a fireplug in front of the property . . . and we’d wait.

After a while, sure enough, someone would come along with a dog. I’d wait with bated breath to see what would happen.  Sure enough, every time, the dog seemed strangely disturbed by something its owner—and my dad and I—couldn’t see.

The site of the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood.

These were the very first times that this future paranormal investigator would witness firsthand the hypersensitivity of dogs to the presence of the supernatural. A few years later, when we got a dog ourselves, Snoopy would verify that we weren’t “crazy” to think there was something wrong in our house: he would bark at the foyer staircase where we heard footsteps in the wee hours, and at the basement door that led to a place that filled us with inexplicable dread. In hundreds of cases to come as a professional “ghost hunter,” it was the responses of their own dogs to something unseen that led clients to, finally, call me for help. They didn’t trust their own instincts that something was “off,” but they did trust their dogs.’

The supernatural questions around canines don’t end with whether they can pick up on the Unknown. I recently watched a talk by Fr. Chris Alar, of the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy. Fr. Chris gives weekly talks in his “Explaining the Faith” series that’s livestreamed on YouTube, and also does a series called “Ask a Marian" (A Marian is a priest devoted to spreading the Gospel through the Blessed Mother).He knew this talk would be one of the most popular of all, and so it has been. The topic?

Do Our Pets Go to Heaven?

I’ll let you find out the answer to that here in Father’s talk (spoiler: don’t worry, it’s all going to be okay), but aside from addressing that question, Alar also talked about some fascinating supernatural aspects of the Man/Pet relationship through the centuries—and some unique beliefs about the deep bonds between some pets and their owners.

Especially dogs.

Does God permit our guardian angels to take the form of canine companions?

Now, I knew full well that fallen angels have been known to take the form of dogs. I’ve written extensively about this tendency in my book, Haunted Bachelors Grove, which looks closely at numerous experiences of black dogs at the notorious Illinois site—dogs who were there one second, gone the next . . . and unmistakably malicious.

Arthur Conan Doyle’s beloved tale, The Hound of the Baskervilles was reportedly inspired by a local Devon, England squire named Richard Cabell. He was known as a “monstrously evil” man to those on his estate. Legend tells that he sold his sold to the devil and had murdered his wife. In the summer of 1677 Cabell died and was buried in the family sepulchre at Brook Hall. The night of the interment a pack of black dogs converged on the tomb, howling and snarling. Locals were immediately convinced these were incarnations of the devil’s minions: fallen angels. The terrified villages built a stone structure around the tomb and placed a heavy slab over the evil squire’s resting place, hoping to keep his spirit from roaming. Still, even now his dark form can be seen, accompanied by the wild dogs, usually on the anniversary of Cabell’s death.

Villagers built a stronghold around the grave of squire Peter Cabell, who reportedly sold his soul to the devil. After death, he roams the Devon countryside with a pack of devil dogs.

Supernatural history is rife with such tales, but I’d never before heard that the good angels take animal form as well. After listening to Father Chris’s talk, my mind was reeling with stories of such claims.

TALKING WITH THE ANIMALS

Martin de Porres, a 17th-century Dominican lay brother, is revered as the patron saint of animals. His life was characterized by profound acts of charity, healing, and a unique ability to communicate with animals, particularly dogs. The stories of St. Martin de Porres conversing with dogs reveal a deeper connection between the saint and the natural world, highlighting the extraordinary compassion that defined his legacy.

Born in Lima, Peru, in 1579, St. Martin faced the challenges of racial discrimination as the son of a Spanish nobleman and a freed African slave. Despite the societal constraints of his time, he dedicated his life to serving others and embracing a path of humility and kindness. His affinity for animals, especially dogs, became a notable aspect of his spiritual journey.

Numerous accounts depict St. Martin de Porres engaging in conversations with dogs as if understanding and responding to them. One particular story tells of a time when St. Martin was witnessed speaking with a pack of dogs. It is said that he not only communicated with them but also convinced them to cease barking, bringing about a serene atmosphere. This extraordinary ability to connect with animals was considered a divine gift, reflecting the saint's deep spiritual connection with the natural world.

Saint Martin de Porres, the “Dog Whisperer.”

The saint's compassion extended not only to domesticated dogs but also to stray and injured animals. It is said that he would tend to wounded animals, offering them solace and care. St. Martin de Porres saw the divine spark in every living being, recognizing that animals, too, were part of God's creation deserving of love and respect.

The stories of St. Martin's ability to communicate with dogs have become integral to his hagiography, illustrating the saint's gentle and inclusive spirit. He saw beyond the external differences that society often emphasized, embracing a worldview that transcended human-centric perspectives. For St. Martin, dogs were not merely animals but sentient beings capable of understanding and responding to the language of love.

In the Catholic tradition, St. Martin de Porres is celebrated annually on November 3rd. Devotees invoke his intercession for healing, compassion, and the well-being of animals. The saint's ability to communicate with dogs has left an indelible mark on the hearts of believers, inspiring a sense of awe and wonder at the interconnectedness of the spiritual and natural realms.

FAITHFUL COMPANION

St. Roch, also known as Saint Rocco, is venerated in the Catholic Church as the patron saint of plague victims and dogs. His life, marked by selfless devotion and miraculous healing, is intertwined with a heartwarming story of companionship with a loyal dog. The tale of St. Roch and his canine friend stands as a testament to the power of compassion, faith, and the unbreakable bond between humans and animals.

St. Roch lived during the 14th century in Montpellier, France, a period marked by the devastating outbreak of the bubonic plague. Born into a noble family, Roch chose a life of asceticism and dedicated himself to caring for the sick during the epidemic. Legend has it that he contracted the plague himself, facing isolation and abandonment as he sought a quiet place to heal.

A mysterious dog tended to St. Roch in self-exile during his suffering with the plague.

During his solitude, a miraculous event unfolded. A dog, described as a faithful greyhound, discovered the ailing saint in his seclusion. This loyal canine became St. Roch's constant companion, bringing him sustenance in the form of a daily loaf of bread and licking his wounds, which aided in his recovery. The dog's actions were nothing short of divine intervention, and St. Roch recognized the significance of this unexpected companion in his healing process.

The bond between St. Roch and the dog deepened as they shared moments of solace and mutual understanding. The saint, touched by the dog's unwavering loyalty, developed a profound appreciation for the divine presence within the animal kingdom. The story of St. Roch and his canine companion became a symbol of compassion, illustrating how even in the direst circumstances, a simple act of kindness from an unexpected source can lead to miraculous healing.

The story reflects the idea that animals, too, can play a significant role in our lives, offering comfort, companionship, and sometimes, even divine intervention. In St. Roch's case, the dog was not just a pet but a divine messenger, providing both physical and spiritual nourishment to the suffering saint.

As St. Roch recovered from the plague, he continued his mission of tending to the sick. His experiences with the dog fueled his commitment to helping others, instilling in him a profound understanding of the interconnectedness between humans and the natural world. In artistic representations, St. Roch is often depicted with his loyal greyhound, emphasizing the enduring legacy of their unique companionship.

THE MYSTERIOUS “GRIGIO”

St. John Bosco, also known as Don Bosco, was a 19th-century Italian Catholic priest, educator, and founder of the Salesian Order. While he is widely celebrated for his dedication to the welfare of youth and his innovative approach to education, a lesser-known but equally heartening aspect of his life is his profound connection with a loyal canine companion.

Don Bosco's journey with his dog began during his childhood in the small village of Becchi, Italy. It was here that he first encountered a stray dog that would later become his faithful companion and confidant. The bond between Don Bosco and this canine friend grew stronger over the years, creating a unique narrative that spoke to the saint's compassion not only for humans but also for the animals that crossed his path.

The story goes that young John Bosco, while working as a shepherd, stumbled upon a mistreated and abandoned dog. Filled with empathy, he took the dog under his care, providing it with food, shelter, and, most importantly, love. He called the gray beauty “Grigio” (meaning “gray one.”) Bosco’s act of kindness marked the beginning of a companionship that would accompany Don Bosco throughout his life, through both trials and triumphs.

As Don Bosco pursued his vocation as a priest and educator, his faithful dog became an integral part of his mission. The dog, often described as a shaggy and affectionate friend, was not only a source of comfort for Don Bosco but also a companion that seemed to understand the struggles and challenges he faced in his quest to help troubled youth.

One particular incident stands out, illustrating the extraordinary bond between Don Bosco and his canine companion. It is said that during a confrontation with a group of hostile individuals, the dog positioned itself between Don Bosco and the aggressors, displaying a protective instinct that mirrored the saint's own commitment to defending the vulnerable. This incident further solidified the belief among those who witnessed it that the connection between Don Bosco and his dog was beyond the ordinary.

The presence of the dog in Don Bosco's life became a symbol of unconditional love, loyalty, and understanding. It is reported that the saint would often share his thoughts and concerns with his canine friend, finding solace in the silent companionship the dog provided. In times of solitude and reflection, the dog would be by Don Bosco's side, offering a sense of tranquility and companionship that transcended the human-animal barrier.

Don Bosco's love for his dog reflected his broader philosophy of kindness and compassion towards all living beings. His teachings emphasized the importance of empathy, understanding, and respect for every creature, aligning with the core values of love and charity found in Christian teachings.

St.John Bosco and the faithful “Grigio.”

The story of St. John Bosco and his dog serves as a testament to the saint's deep connection with the world around him. The bond between this compassionate priest and his loyal canine companion exemplifies the idea that love and kindness extend beyond human relationships, reaching into the realm of the animal kingdom. Don Bosco's life, enriched by the presence of his faithful dog, stands as an inspiring example of the interconnectedness of all living beings and the divine thread that weaves through every act of compassion.

WAIT . . . WHAT?

In the rich tapestry of saints and martyrs, one figure stands out as truly unconventional – St. Guinefort, the canine martyr.

That’s right. This saint was actually a dog.

This unique tale from medieval France weaves together elements of tragedy, loyalty, and a peculiar veneration of a faithful greyhound, challenging traditional narratives of sanctity and shedding light on the remarkable bond between humans and animals.

According to the 13th-Century legend, a noble knight in the region of Lyon had a greyhound named Guinefort. The knight, being called away on a journey, entrusted his infant child to the care of Guinefort. However, tragedy struck in the knight's absence. He returned home to find the nursery in disarray and Guinefort with blood around his mouth. The  knight assumed the worst.

Believing that Guinefort had attacked and killed his child, the grief-stricken knight drew his sword and swiftly struck down the loyal greyhound. However, after investigating further, he discovered his child unharmed and a dead snake nearby. It became clear that Guinefort had valiantly defended the infant from a venomous snake, sacrificing himself in the process.

Realizing the grave mistake he had made, the remorseful knight buried Guinefort in a well, creating a makeshift shrine. Over time, locals began to recognize the virtues of the canine martyr, attributing miraculous healing powers to the well and venerating Guinefort as a saint. Pilgrims would visit the site seeking the intercession of St. Guinefort, particularly for the well-being of children and protection against dangers.

The story of St. Guinefort raises intriguing questions about the nature of sanctity and the capacity for animals to be revered as martyrs. Unlike traditional saints, Guinefort wasn't a human figure with a divine calling but a dog whose loyalty and sacrifice captured the imagination of a community. The canine martyrdom challenges established norms and opens a window into the profound connections that can exist between humans and their animal companions.

While the Church never officially recognized Guinefort as a saint, the local folk devotion persisted: a heartfelt expression of the belief in the protective and loyal nature of animals, transcending the conventional boundaries of human-centered sanctity. The veneration of Guinefort highlights our human tendency to find meaning and spiritual significance in unexpected places, even in the unconditional love and sacrifice of a noble greyhound.

St. Guinefort's story also echoes the broader theme of redemption. The knight, initially driven by grief and misunderstanding, experiences a transformation upon realizing the truth about Guinefort's actions. The makeshift shrine at the well became a symbol of remorse and acknowledgment of the dog's nobility.

The tale of St. Guinefort, the canine martyr, is a fascinating deviation from conventional narratives of saints. It invites contemplation on the profound connections between humans and animals, the capacity for sacrifice and loyalty displayed by our furry companions, and the ways in which communities find spiritual significance in unexpected stories. St. Guinefort's unconventional sanctity endures as a testament to the enduring power of love, sacrifice, and the bond between humans and their loyal animal companions.

MAN’S BEST FRIEND INDEED

I have a friend in the ghost hunting world who forged a deep and very well-known bond with his late pet dog, Murray. Their connection was so strong that, when Tim Maile prepared to take his own life—so close that he had the knife in his hand--, Murray came to his rescue and literally barred his master from the tragedy of suicide.

For years, Tim has raised money for pet shelters through his non for profit called “Pawtographs for Pooches,” and today—though Murray has since passed away—he continues the project’s mission with his partner, Lauren, who somewhat mysteriously appeared in his life after Murray’s death.

I talked this week with Tim about his connection with Murray, his calling to help pets, and—of course—the supernatural. Have a look!