Phantom Felines And Other Ghostly Animals - Gerina Dunwich 2006

Introduction

My fascination with ghosts and hauntings, along with a serious interest in witchcraft and most things of an occult nature, began as a child growing up in the Midwest. My first encounters with the paranormal all took place at my grandmother’s house in Riverside, Illinois, which I (and other members of my family) truly believe was haunted by the spirit of my grandfather who died there. I felt something invisible was watching me whenever I was in that house, and while exploring the attic there once, a misty form materialized out of the shadows and chased me down the attic stairs. It frightened me at the time, but also increased my curiosity in that type of phenomena.

I became interested in animal ghosts after living in an old house in New York that was frequently visited by a supernatural bat. There I also witnessed a phantom feline (the so-called Devil Cat of Fort Covington) with my very own eyes. These unique experiences helped perk my interest in professional ghost hunting and eventually led me to form the Paranormal Animal Research Group, which investigates animal-related hauntings and studies animal sensitivity to paranormal anomalies.

As an investigator of the paranormal, I’ve had the opportunity to meet and talk with numerous people from around the world who’ve also had encounters with otherworldly animals. Most of their experiences involve the spirits of deceased pets. However, experiences with phantom livestock, wild animals, and even animal spirit guides have been reported as well.

A number of these individuals have graciously allowed me to include their personal stories in this book. Some are guaranteed to give you goose bumps, some will warm your heart, and some are sure to bring tears to your eyes. But the one common thread that links these stories together is the amazing fact that they’re all true! I hope you will enjoy reading them as much as I have.

And if by chance you should feel something invisible brush against your legs, lick your hand, or move across your bed in the middle of the night, do not be alarmed. It might just be a phantom feline, a haunting hound, or some other ghostly animal visiting you from beyond the grave.

Acknowledgments

I would like to give thanks to all the individuals who contributed stories about animal ghosts. Without you this book could not have been possible. And a very special “thank-you” to Al for all of the support and inspiration you’ve given me.