3111
Jan. 27, 2008
June 21, 2008
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Scroll down below the pictures for this month's article!
Images: Brandy, digital.
The orb with Odyssey appeared shortly before the end of the homeowner interview. I would likely classify it as dust as we had just returned to sit down and talk with the homeowner. However, the three orb images below, though very light, occurred in three consecutive pictures. There was a period of time taken between each image of about 3 - 5 seconds. The orbs appeared AFTER a very strange EMF reading. As we concluded the interview, the EMF meter spiked for about 3 seconds, then stopped. I asked "is that you?" and the meter spiked once again.
This was unusual because after a full night of no occurrences, this was only the third time the meter went off in 3 hours. The first time was in the EVP session where we asked if anyone died in the house and we had two spies. The second was in the office area, where we determined it was the radio/clock setting off the meter. This was the third time.
Everyone in the room verified that equipment and cell phones were off. After these three images were taken, we moved the cabinet and examined the wall. Only a phone cord is behind the cabinet.
I had the distinct impression that we were being "played with" -- this was one of the true few anomolous events of the night and it came just as we were getting ready to leave.
Note that despite the length of time, the orb stays in approximately the same area. Debbie, returning from getting changed, had come in, walked through the orb as I was taking the picture, and sat down. The orb is still in about the same area. The presence of a second, smaller, orb also makes me wonder if it's legitimate. I have had haunted homes where an odd two-orb image consistently appeared, with the two orbs changing positions, from room to room.
Image: Amy, digital: My photos only produced one anomaly, an orb in the Master Bedroom.
Survey of Team:
1. What was your role in this investigation? (Please check one)
ResponsePercentResponse
ResponseCount
Sensitive/Psy 33.3%2
33.3%2Technical 16.7%1
16.7%1Researcher 0.0%0
0.0%0Investigator (general) 33.3%2
33.3%2Other 16.7%1
16.7%12. What equipment did you use on this investigation?
ResponsePercentResponse
ResponseCount
Thermometer 16.7%1
16.7%1Thermometer IR 50.0%3
50.0%3Barometer 0.0%0
0.0%0Digital camera 83.3%5
83.3%5Film camera 16.7%1
16.7%1Video camera 0.0%0
0.0%0IR video camera 16.7%1
16.7%1Polaroid camera 0.0%0
0.0%0Computer 16.7%1
16.7%1Audio recording devices 16.7%1
16.7%1Electro Magnetic Field Meter (EMF meter) 50.0%3
50.0%3Compass 0.0%0
0.0%0DC gauss meter 0.0%0
0.0%0Other (please specify) 16.7%1
16.7%1Other (please specify)
1.2 Types of digital camera
2 Types of digital camera 2. New equipment configuration allowing for evps to be heard real-time 3. Odyssey the pug33. What phenomena did you experience on this investigation? (Please check all that apply)
ResponsePercentResponse
ResponseCount
Temperature related phenomena (hot or cold spots) 0.0%0
0.0%0Sensation of energy 50.0%3
50.0%3Sensation of being watched 0.0%0
0.0%0Peripheral vision manifestation 0.0%0
0.0%0Full manifestation 0.0%0
0.0%0Physical contact 0.0%0
0.0%0Odd behavior of equipment 50.0%3
50.0%3Battery drainage or power outage 16.7%1
16.7%1Electrical phenomena (lights, equipment acting up) 0.0%0
0.0%0Observed odd behavior of animals 50.0%3
50.0%3The detection of aromas (olfactory) 0.0%0
0.0%0Hearing/auditory 0.0%0
0.0%0Other (please specify below)Strange behavior of EMF meter
Strange behavior of EMF meterHad unusually high psy experience beginning with energy recognition then moving into intense despair then saw what appeared to be woman in a modern white nightgown flee from the master bedroom.
after we left the second bedroom, the camera lights started dimming & then brighten & it did this several times and no one was in the room
impression of 3 names and a year66.7%4
66.7%44. In review of the footage, recording, or photographs taken at the location, which of the following did you find? (Please check all that apply)
ResponsePercentResponse
ResponseCount
EVP (electronic voice phenomena) on video 16.7%1
16.7%1Rod images (video) 0.0%0
0.0%0Mist images (video) 0.0%0
0.0%0Shadow images (video) 0.0%0
0.0%0Full apparition (video) 0.0%0
0.0%0EVP (electronic voice phenomena) on audio/recording 16.7%1
16.7%1Orb images (digital) 50.0%3
50.0%3Mist images (digital) 0.0%0
0.0%0Shadow images (digital) 0.0%0
0.0%0Full apparition (digital) 0.0%0
0.0%0Orb images (film) 16.7%1
16.7%1Mist images (film) 0.0%0
0.0%0Shadow images (film) 0.0%0
0.0%0Full apparition (film) 0.0%0
0.0%0Nothing that cannot be explained naturally 16.7%1
16.7%1No unusual occurrences at all 33.3%2
33.3%2Other (please specify below) 16.7%1
16.7%1Other (please specify)
did not use any of this equipment on this hunt1
15. What technical observations did you note during the investigation? For purposes of categorizing data, please post your first name, followed by your response.
1.Amy - I noticed some fluctuations in EMF. Sun, 2/3/08 8:22 AM 2.Mary: There was a temperature fluctuation while an EVP session was being conducted in the smaller bedroom with a temperature change of 2 degrees. Also after the EVP sessions while we were in the living room, the EMF meter began to register spikes at the same time that the animals began to show some increase in activity, Brandy took a couple pictures toward the direction of a desk in the living room at the same time which showed an orb. While monitoring for EVPs real-time, Debbie was able to hear the sound of footsteps that appeared to have no natural explanation Sat, 2/2/08 6:16 PM 3.Evie - EMF throughout the home was extremely high and we set our meters to the less sensitive setting. At one point the computer and a camera cut off at the same time. When I started to take a picture in the master bedroom I saw an orb in the viewfinder but it did not show on the film. The homeowner later said she has seen orbs in the exact same spot with just her eyes Sat, 2/2/08 5:18 AM 4.Debbie - Was able to both hear evps real time as well as having the same evps recorded to both computer and digital recorder. Several moments after the group left the second bedroom an orb quickly shot straight up. Wed, 1/30/08 8:12 PM 5.Brandy: The EMF meter moved VERY little during the investigation. The only time we got any activity with the meter was during the EVP session (2) in the second bedroom. The meter spiked two times on the question "Did you die here?" We later learned that the homeowner knew of two deaths in the home. The only other time the EMF meter went off was at the very end of the night. We were getting ready to finish the homeowenver interview and the EMF meter spiked twice -- longer spikes than usual. I initially thought that it was natural phenomena -- the spikes were very unusual -- but in reviewing the area, no cell phones were on, most equipment was off, and the homeowner invited us to investigate the area by moving furniture. EMF picked up nothing. However, three images I took of the area showed a large white orb in all three shots; in two of the shots, there is a second smaller orb with the larger. I have often wondered if this (large and small orb) pairing might classify as paranormal. Of the digital camera images, only 4 had any orbs in them. Three were after the spikes (as described above), and 1 was taken a few minutes before of Odyssey. The pug image shows one bright orb in front of him. Odyssey is paying no attention to the orb. Video reviewed and nothing unusual noticed. Tue, 1/29/08 3:53 PM 6.Kimberly - No direct observations made.6. What sensitive observations did you note during the investigation? For purposes of categorizing data, please post your first name, followed by your response.
1.Amy - I noticed a heaviness in the second bedroom as well as a sense of PK activity in the kitchen. Sun, 2/3/08 8:22 AM 2.Mary: I felt a mild energy in the master bedroom that started on the right side of the bed and moved to the upper left corner of the room. I also was impressed with the names of Carolyn and Gretchen as well as the name Perry which I think is a last name. The year 1963 was significant to me as well. I do not think that these are spirits haunting this home, only that there is a past connection perhaps. Also the hallway bathroom had had extensive remodeling. Sat, 2/2/08 6:16 PM 3.Evie - I did not feel anything harmful and I think there is more than one energy Sat, 2/2/08 5:18 AM 4.Debbie - During the second evp session in the master bedroom and with the homeowners present, I experienced a rare but very stong energy hover over me while I was on the bed. Though I thought and noted that the energy was moving towards a team member it instead stayed with me. I began to feel very depressed, almost to the point of tears, then total dispair. At that moment it was like seeing a woman wearing a white nightgown flee from the room thru the door and into the hallway. I don't usually have such strong psy experiences but believe it may have developed due to my higher concentration and focus on listening to evps. Wed, 1/30/08 8:12 PM 5.Brandy: I brought Odyssey with me. He seemed to sense nothing. The only time he was active was inthe computer room, where Debbie got her original EVP. Otherwise, I felt nothing. Tue, 1/29/08 3:53 PM 6.Kimberly - No sensation of energy at this investigation, possibly due to fatigue and distraction.7. What researched/historical information did you learn about this location? For purposes of categorizing data, please post your first name, followed by your response.
1.Amy - no historical information Sun, 2/3/08 8:22 AM 2.Mary: none to date other than what the homeowner disclosed. It was disclosed that the house had been purchased following a foreclosure. There had been extensive renovations due to damage from the previous occupants. There were also 2 deaths in the home, one a man named Walter and the other a woman. The homeowners will attempt to get some more information on the previous owners prior to the return of the review team. At that point I will do additional research of former occupants, etc. Sat, 2/2/08 6:16 PM 3.Evie - I have not researched at this point. The homeowner told us someone had died in the house and there had been a lot of agression from the previous owners that left holes in the walls Sat, 2/2/08 5:18 AM 4.Brandy: The house was built in 1970. Current homeowners had investigations at their old home by the SPIRITS. This house also appears to have some reported phenomena. Homeowner did report that the house had a history of abuse via the prior homeowners (two couples who lived there) and that two people died (a man and a woman) in the home. Tue, 1/29/08 3:53 PM 5.Kimberly - None as of yet.8. On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate the haunting of this location? Note on scale: 1 represents "no haunting", 5 "moderate haunting" and 10 "extremely haunted"?
ResponsePercentResponse
ResponseCount
1 16.7%1
16.7%12 0.0%0
0.0%03 33.3%2
33.3%24 16.7%1
16.7%15 16.7%1
16.7%16 0.0%0
0.0%07 16.7%1
16.7%18 0.0%0
0.0%09 0.0%0
0.0%010 0.0%0
0.0%09. What issues does the review team need to address with the occupant (homeowner, business owner, resident)? What aspects of the investigation need to be re-addressed, retested, or clarified?
1.Amy - I would like to reinvestigate this home Sun, 2/3/08 8:22 AM 2.The names of the former occupants and other information that they are able to obtain will help in the research of the phenomena. We would also like to look at pictures of the home prior to restoration as the homeowner stated that they do have such pictures. Sat, 2/2/08 6:16 PM 3.Take more pictures around the bookcase in the living room where we captured most of the orbs. See if we can find anything causing the sound like foot steps. Sat, 2/2/08 5:18 AM 4.Debbie - Additional evp work to include the kitchen and additional IR camera work for documentation of phenomena. Verify with homeowners that footsteps were heard during the investigation by recording device as well as captured on audio recording equipment. Wed, 1/30/08 8:12 PM 5.None from me. Tue, 1/29/08 3:53 PM 6.EVP findings, high EMF levels of property that could possibly be explained by high tension lines near property, possibly some of the history of the property.10. Is there any other information that you would like to add about this investigation? For purposes of categorizing data, please post your first name, followed by your response.
Mary: None
Evie - no additional info at this time but probably will add more after the meet with the homeowner.
Brandy: Film footage is going to take a while to get; I only took 5 film images on the location. I need to use the rest of the film before the images can be reviewed.
Kimberly - High tension power lines near property could affect the EMF data.
RECHECK:
Recheck: 3111
Date: Feb 11, 2008
Attendees: Verna, Mary and Evie
I attended the recheck of investigation 3111. I did not have any information prior to the recheck of investigation of 3111.
Upon entering the home I could sense that there had been activity in the home. We sat down for a few minutes with the homeowners and asked a few questions before a quick recheck was done. The owners conveyed to us that there was a little bit of activity that occurred in the home after the initial investigation. We were told that one of the occurrences included a guttural sigh Both home owners acknowledged that sound at the same time.
I got acquainted with the homeowners to get a feel for their personalities. Both homeowners were really down to earth and were very comfortable to tell me their story. Some of the information that was offered after I did a little walk through with Evie and Mary consisted of:
•Elderly couple owned home for some time and both died there in the home.
Elderly couple owned home for some time and both died there in the home.•The prior family that lived in the home was very violent and had about 7 dachshunds. Information provided by neighbors that these animals were buried in the yard but where in the yard is not known.
The prior family that lived in the home was very violent and had about 7 dachshunds. Information provided by neighbors that these animals were buried in the yard but where in the yard is not known. •Many antiques are in the home. Some belonging to the female homeowner’s grandmother. There is a trunk that originated from the White Star fleet. (1880’s)?
Many antiques are in the home. Some belonging to the female homeowner’s grandmother. There is a trunk that originated from the White Star fleet. (1880’s)?•Information also provides that prior residents (violent family) are still alive.
Information also provides that prior residents (violent family) are still alive. •Neighbor passed on info to the homeowner that the father (violent family) had an altercation with daughter and boyfriend involving a knife.
Neighbor passed on info to the homeowner that the father (violent family) had an altercation with daughter and boyfriend involving a knife.•Male homeowner feels like he is being watch when working at his computer desk. His back is to the kitchen area when at his desk.
Male homeowner feels like he is being watch when working at his computer desk. His back is to the kitchen area when at his desk.•Home owners have had paranormal activity at most of their residential locations.
Home owners have had paranormal activity at most of their residential locations.Upon my investigation of the home I could feel a dense energy that basically could be felt from the arch way of the kitchen, around the corner and down the hallway to the daughter’s bedroom.
The master bedroom was the worst. The energy felt as if it were scratching at my skin. I could not stand to be in there too long. When I was standing in the master bath, I got the sensation that some one fell there and had a heart attack.
Also when I was in the living area I also received some information regarding, or saying, “I don’t like those animals.” I am not sure if it has to do with the squirrel rescue.
Mary, Evie and I could feel a cold spot in the living area. This cold spot was felt near the corner by the window. We did check to make sure the window and doors were secure (air off). We came back to that area to verify that it was still there.
After we were done with the recheck we chatted with the home owners and they are very interested in having us back for an over night investigation.
Verna Peddi.
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June 21, 2008
Report 1:
1. What was your role in this investigation? (Please check one)
Sensitive/Psy
2. What equipment did you use on this investigation?
Audio recording devices
3. What phenomena did you experience on this investigation? (Please check all that apply)
Temperature related phenomena (hot or cold spots)
The detection of aromas (olfactory)
4. In review of the footage, recording, or photographs taken at the location, which of the following did you find? (Please check all that apply)
Comment: Possible EVP but it needs further analysis
5. What technical observations did you note during the investigation? For purposes of categorizing data, please post your first name, followed by your response.
No Response
6. What sensitive observations did you note during the investigation? For purposes of categorizing data, please post your first name, followed by your response.
Mary: There were several cold spots around the home. At one time I thought that it was actually following us. It was first noted in the dining room, then in the front bedroom and hall as well as in the master bedroom. It also felt like it was behind the couch where I was sitting. In addition when standing in the hallway during our EVP session, I smelled the odor of foul breath. It was exceptionally strong and seemed like it was from disease or health problem. That was the one of the rare times that I have had an olfactory sensation like that.
7. What researched/historical information did you learn about this location? For purposes of categorizing data, please post your first name, followed by your response.
Mary: I have gotten nothing further than the first investigation on the history of the location. However the homeowners did report that they have recently found the burial place of a previous owner's dog on the property
8. On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate the haunting of this location? Note on scale: 1 represents "no haunting", 5 "moderate haunting" and 10 "extremely haunted"?
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9. What issues does the review team need to address with the occupant (homeowner, business owner, resident)? What aspects of the investigation need to be re-addressed, retested, or clarified?
Perhaps video cameras being left at the home overnight will reveal some of the things that the homeowners report
10. Is there any other information that you would like to add about this investigation? For purposes of categorizing data, please post your first name, followed by your response.
This investigation was conducted on the summer solstice on a very rainy night.
Report 2:
1. What was your role in this investigation? (Please check one)
Investigator (general)
2. What equipment did you use on this investigation?
Thermometer
3. What phenomena did you experience on this investigation? (Please check all that apply)
Odd behavior of equipment
4. In review of the footage, recording, or photographs taken at the location, which of the following did you find? (Please check all that apply)
Other (please specify below)
Comment: I personally did not review the photographs or recordings but understand that at first quick review nothing really stood out.
5. What technical observations did you note during the investigation? For purposes of categorizing data, please post your first name, followed by your response.
Les Gregory I noticed that some of the meters on the EMFs were apparently higher than what is usual. As it was my first investigation I have little to compare it to. There were also some reactions on the meter that Mary was using that seemed to light up in response to questions but only minimal. I also noticed that the temperature device I used had a 3 degree lower reading when using the probe.
6. What sensitive observations did you note during the investigation? For purposes of categorizing data, please post your first name, followed by your response.
Les Gregory I had no sensitive observations
7. What researched/historical information did you learn about this location? For purposes of categorizing data, please post your first name, followed by your response.
Les Gregory I went to the investigation totally without any information other than that the SPIRITS had been there before. Afterwards I was told of the other findings from previous visits. I found the owners stories of events to be quite honest and sincere. I was told that the EVP's played at the conference were recorded at this location and they were quite impressive.
8. On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate the haunting of this location? Note on scale: 1 represents "no haunting", 5 "moderate haunting" and 10 "extremely haunted"?
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9. What issues does the review team need to address with the occupant (homeowner, business owner, resident)? What aspects of the investigation need to be re-addressed, retested, or clarified?
The cold spots that followed us through the house and why the EMF meters were so much higher than usual.
10. Is there any other information that you would like to add about this investigation? For purposes of categorizing data, please post your first name, followed by your response.
No Response
Report 3:
1. What was your role in this investigation? (Please check one)
Investigator (general)
2. What equipment did you use on this investigation?
Digital camera
Film camera
Electro Magnetic Field Meter (EMF meter)
Other (please specify)
Comment: Natural EM meter
3. What phenomena did you experience on this investigation? (Please check all that apply)
Temperature related phenomena (hot or cold spots)
Other (please specify below)
Comment: Dizziness
4. In review of the footage, recording, or photographs taken at the location, which of the following did you find? (Please check all that apply)
No unusual occurrences at all
5. What technical observations did you note during the investigation? For purposes of categorizing data, please post your first name, followed by your response.
Brandy: Natural EM meter did flux a little bit; first time I have seen this. EMF meter was higher than normal.
6. What sensitive observations did you note during the investigation? For purposes of categorizing data, please post your first name, followed by your response.
Brandy: Felt cold spot when we were sitting at dinner and talking. Felt dizzy in MA bedroom by bathroom; a bit disconcerted.
7. What researched/historical information did you learn about this location? For purposes of categorizing data, please post your first name, followed by your response.
Brandy: See prior investigations.
8. On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate the haunting of this location? Note on scale: 1 represents "no haunting", 5 "moderate haunting" and 10 "extremely haunted"?
4
9. What issues does the review team need to address with the occupant (homeowner, business owner, resident)? What aspects of the investigation need to be re-addressed, retested, or clarified?
Brandy: None; just keep up with the logging of information.
10. Is there any other information that you would like to add about this investigation? For purposes of categorizing data, please post your first name, followed by your response.
Brandy: None.
Report 4:
1. What was your role in this investigation? (Please check one)
Investigator (general)
2. What equipment did you use on this investigation?
Digital camera
Electro Magnetic Field Meter (EMF meter)
3. What phenomena did you experience on this investigation? (Please check all that apply)
Odd behavior of equipment
4. In review of the footage, recording, or photographs taken at the location, which of the following did you find? (Please check all that apply)
No unusual occurrences at all
5. What technical observations did you note during the investigation? For purposes of categorizing data, please post your first name, followed by your response.
Kimberly: High EMF throughout the entire house with a rare spike in the master bedroom near the bed.
6. What sensitive observations did you note during the investigation? For purposes of categorizing data, please post your first name, followed by your response.
Kimberly: None.
7. What researched/historical information did you learn about this location? For purposes of categorizing data, please post your first name, followed by your response.
Kimberly: None.
8. On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate the haunting of this location? Note on scale: 1 represents "no haunting", 5 "moderate haunting" and 10 "extremely haunted"?
3
9. What issues does the review team need to address with the occupant (homeowner, business owner, resident)? What aspects of the investigation need to be re-addressed, retested, or clarified?
This was a recheck, so I think we can compile findings of both investigations and give the homeowners a report.
10. Is there any other information that you would like to add about this investigation? For purposes of categorizing data, please post your first name, followed by your response.
If I recall, the first time we investigated this residence, it seemed that there was a lot more activity, especially with the EVPs.
EVP: Unknown. Dialogue text:
Brandy"Are you currently present with us in the room?"
[Bark]
SPIRITS member: "That is a dog barking outside."
Then comes this whispered part.
Any idea as to what the whisper is saying?
"What is your name?" (EVP: Glen)
EVP: "Are you here?"
PETS AND THE PARANORMAL (June 28, 2009, as taken from the SPIRITS' MySpace blog.
Pets and the paranormal -- always a topic of great interest and a topic of great debate. As the host of the Paranormal Pets Radio show, I get to discuss one of the most fascinating topics ever: the role of animals (generally pets) in society, specifically in the role of indicators of the paranormal or supernatural. It's a fascinating subject for me as I am an animal advocate, rescue person, and I identify more with animals as friends since humans can be rather enigmatic. (I will say that both humans and animals can be equally as fascinating in their behavior!)
I have come across several other investigators who have watched animals working in the paranormal or who, occasionally, will take a pet into the field with them. The questions arise, then, as to 1) Do animals actually sense the paranormal? and 2) Is it OK to take animals on investigations?
To the first, I would say that, yes, animals CAN sense the paranormal. We do know that animals are more sensitive to weather and have warned of impending earthquakes and hurricanes. They are used to predict seizures (I have an acquaintance with a specially trained "seizure sensing poodle" that is sanction as a working dog). Both of these situations are not normal, or, if you will, paranormal. Dogs have also been recorded throughout history as sensing the supernatural -- gods manifesting, ghostly intrusions, jinn/angels, and more. I have read and posted accounts on http://www.starkimages.homestead.com/paranormalpugspage.html) of dog sensitivity dating back to the Greeks and Romans; the Egyptians even used the jackal as the psychopomp for the dead.
The biases against animals are unfortunate. Animals are usually classified as not possessing reasoning abilities and for their lack of language skills.
To look at both of these issues, I would argue that animals do not have human reasoning skills, perhaps, but that they still have an ability to think. Recent studies concerning dogs, in specific, include:
"Scientific studies in recent years show that dogs apply earlier learning to new situations, perform selective imitation, and understand human gestures and new words."
http://dog-training.suite101.com/article.cfm/the_intelligence_of_dogs
"How much are dogs like humans? New research is showing more emotion and intelligence in man's best friend." http://dog-training.suite101.com/article.cfm/dog_intelligence_or_anthropomorphism
For animals in general:
http://hubpages.com/hub/Can_animals_do_abstract_thinking
http://books.google.com/books
As for animal language skills, while animals may not speak in phrases or with verbs/nouns/adjectives as we do, they do communicate. Insects have formed an intricate communication system with one another that can detail a variety of ideas. (There are tons of entries, but I shall detail just this one. I encourage others to research this remarkable behavior:
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v438/n7067/abs/438442a.html)
The question of human-animal communication does come in a variety of forms. One is the owner's understanding of their pets' behaviors. The other may relate to the animals' trust of their caretakers.
Additionally, one upcoming episode of Paranormal Pets radio show will feature discussions on animal sensitivity. The guest, Shana, a long time researcher in the field, believes that animals are wonderful sensitives because they of the reasoning skills that they have -- animals live in the moment and they answer stimulus with true response. Humans tend to over think an event, sometimes missing the paranormal entirely, or over-assuming that an event is paranormal to begin with.
On a personal note, it is quite obvious to me when Odyssey, the paranormal pug, wants something. I met my boy when he was 4 weeks old and was allowed to visit him on weekends until I could bring him home at 8 weeks. He is the only pug I have seen nurse to this day, and I saw him with his 7 siblings (my mother got "puppy fever" from my visits and adopted his brother, Crescent). Odyssey is now 13.5 years old. My family agrees that he is, perhaps, one of the brightest pugs we have ever had. He observes his surroundings, is in tuned with me, his human servant (apparently), and is personable. For quite some time, and on occasion still, I would be invited to an event and asked to bring Odyssey with me.
Odyssey is a paranormal pug in many ways. He was supposed to die over 3 years ago of terminal cancer, but when I went to a Buddhist medicine service on his behalf and had an experience (I felt an incredible energy), the cancer went into remission and has not returned. (Granted, this is after he had the tumor removed, and another surgery to fix some irritation from the first. These cost me more than 2 or 3 PhD classes; plus Ody went to two vets (holistic and regular), and an additional specialist). Four years later he looks quite good for someone who is "dead" -- he eats well for a dead guy, too!
Suffice to say, I know this pug. He sleeps curled up in my arms every night, or with his head on my pillow. We have a strong bond; I understand him pretty much all of the time and can usually interpret him quite well. Take, as example, whining behavior. Ody rarely whines, but when he does it may be that he wants up on the bed, down from the bed, he wants a drink of water, he wants to go out, or he is in pain. While these are a variety of responses to a single sound, his body behavior indicates the true nature of his communication. If he whines and stares at the bed, he wants up. If he whines while he is on the bed and appears to be in no distress, he wants down. If he walks to the water dish and whines then the dish is empty. If two other pugs are playing and he whines, then he wants to play with them. If he walks to the door and whines, he wants/needs to go out. If he paces, appears uncomfortable, or acts strangely, I take him to the vet.
As a slight aside, there is some speculation that different animals, like humans, may have differing levels of sensitivity. My guests on Paranormal Pets have confirmed this, as have other paranormal investigators in the field. If we are individualistic with our abilities, then why wouldn't the same hold for animals as well?
The second form of communication between humans and animals is the psychic connection. The most recent episode of Paranormal Pets Radio is directly about this topic. My guest was Karen Anderson who communicates with animals that are both living and dead. Off the air, she did a session for me with one of my pets (not Odyssey). She was remarkably accurate and I had told her none of the information. So, I find this to be an interesting topic but one that I am currently learning more about. This would be along the lines of parapsychology and inter-species communications and a great study for a ghost investigation team interested in ESP or animal ghosts.
Now to address the second question asked in the introduction to this essay: is it OK to take animals on investigations? As the founder of the SPIRITS of St. Petersburg, my team has indulged me in voting Odyssey as the official animal consultant for the group. While I have done approximately 400 investigations into haunted sites on my own or with the SPIRITS team over the past 13 years, the pets have been on about .02% of them. In ten years, I have taken Odyssey to approximately five sites to do about seven investigations (a couple are longer-running rechecks). I have taken Odysseus and Achilles, my 3 year old pugs who are brothers, on one investigation.
I do not see taking an animal out to a haunted site as a problem AS LONG AS THE FOLLOWING PRECAUTIONS ARE OBSERVED:
1) Note the nature of the animal. If he/she does NOT like to travel, do not take them out. If they enjoy traveling and meeting people, then that is a step in the right direction.
2) Note if the location has access to animals to begin with. If homeowners have animals in the home, and these days many do, ask about the animal's seeming sense of safety. If the animals is constantly stressed, then this may not be a good location to introduce another animal. If the animal is unharmed by an entity, then that is a better indicator that a pet investigator may be safe.
3) ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS pre-investigate the site before taking an animal into the field and do an thorough inspection of the property. I learned this from experience for my own teams' safety, and for Odyssey who took an impromptu swim in a small below-ground pool. Fortunately, our team calls for no one -- human or animal -- to be left unattended and he was fished out quickly none the worse for wear, but a little wet. Since then, I check the inside AND the outside of the property much more carefully for the sake of the pet.
4) Make sure that the entity is NOT hostile. Odyssey, Odysseus and Achilles have each been on cases but not before the property was inspected by team sensitives and investigators for any sign of hostile activity. They are allowed to go on rechecks only. This means that the SPIRITS has done a full investigation to begin with. Homeowner reports are also filtered in for pet safety in regard to animals already on the property (if their own pets were harassed) and the behavior of the entity in general.
5) The property MUST BE animal approved -- the home or business owners must be informed. There should be no surprises bringing a pet along. Odyssey's presence, for example, is actually requested for some of the long-running rechecks that we have done at one property.
6) If you bring a pet, you must be prepared to watch over him/her. If the animal shows signs of distress, they should be removed from the property immediately. As an investigator, the pet IS your responsibility as would be the safety of any other investigator in the group. The responsibility for the pet is more so the owner's as the animal trusts you to keep them safe. DO NOT abuse that trust.
7) Do NOT force the pet into an area where he or she does not want to go. Once I know the layout of a property, it is not unusual for me to allow Odyssey, Odysseus or Achilles to lead me. I will sometimes drop the leash entirely to let the pet roam where he wishes (though I am following behind). If there is an area that the animal avoids, note it but do not force the animal back to the area or into the room. My philosophy is, if it's not good enough for my pets, it's not good enough for me.
8) Be sure to know where emergency vets are in case of emergency (though this would likely be physical trauma more than spectral). I also request my "human team" to give me emergency contact information should they fall into distress. As I am the one who brings the pug, then, I must be equally responsibly prepared for my own pet's well being.
9) Do NOT overuse pets on investigations. As mentioned above, the pugs have gone on .02% of my investigations. Overuse may result in stress for the pet.
What are the results of my pet investigators? Since Odyssey, Odysseus and Achilles are the three who have been on investigations that are pretty heavily screened, the results are mixed.
Odyssey: Not much of a response on any of his cases but one. At a haunted hotel, Odyssey was uneasy in one room of the structure. I carried him through the room the first time to get to an area on the other side. Returning, I had set his leash down and allowed him to follow me through the room. When I stopped to take pictures, Odyssey refused to stop. He kept a steady walking pace, ignoring my calls to stop (which is rare for him) and got to the exit. Immediately outside the door he sat down. This was the room where EVPs had picked up crying and where some reports came back that people were uncomfortable.
At my own home, Odyssey was present for three ghostly manifestations, but he responded only to one. Two family members crossed through here to communicate their deaths (on two seperate occasions) and, while I sensed it and got the message, Ody did not seem to respond to these visitors. One time, however, when a spectral column of smoke manifested mid-room, I was alerted to its presence when all of my pugs (including Odyssey) started to whine. The smoke dissipated but may have been the spirit of the former homeowner. She has not been back, to my knowledge, since that one time.
[Below: Odyssey on investigation. On this case he found very little. However, to show his alertness, Odyssey did find the mini-refrigerator in the office. It was the only interest that he showed the entire investigation and he did try to paw at the door to get in (he doesn't even do this at home). The fridge is not haunted, but they did have some nice leftovers in there, so I'm pretty certain that I know what Odyssey was really hunting].
[Though the investigation is private and results will not be publicly published, Odyssey perked up when he found the fridge. He was animate!]
Odysseus and Achilles are "in training" to a certain degree. While they LOVE to travel and visit, they are young (even at 3 years old) and a lot to manage as a pair (they are pretty bonded brothers). Of the two cases, only one showed results. Odysseus is caught on film staring at a door; he turned around to look at the camera, back around to look at the door, and about a minute later the door opened part way on its own. Showing the property owner the video, he did say that activity happened with the door but had no reason as to why the door opened on its own. Both boys were together and clowning around at the start of the investigation when both froze, growled and started at the same spot behind a counter. This lasted for 3 seconds or so, and as quickly as they started, they stopped. This is VERY unusual behavior for them (they are very active) and for it to happen in sync with both is pretty phenomenal. We later learned that the spot where they were staring was one area which the entity, in life, had spent much time. The same spot produced a "shrinking orb" in three photos (though this evidence is more debated than the pugs' behavior!)
For those who do EVPs, pets are not usually conducive for them. A former teammate worked with Odyssey and even agreed with the premise of his being on investigations; after dismissal from the team, this person later publicly complained that the pugs were too noisy for EVPs. (This is why I prefer pets to people some days -- at least I can guess at what a pet wants; humans remain a mystery). Yes, of course pugs (or pets in general) are, or can be, noisy. As a pug enthusiast, I can tell you that these little dears are *supposed* to make noise -- snorts, snoring, snuffles, and so on. They are a noisy, but expressive, breed and that's why I like them!
As I type this, Odysseus and Achilles are sleeping on the bed and snoring loudly enough for me to hear across the room and over the keyboard.
However, as the pets go on a minimal amount of investigations, I believe that some accommodations should be made for them,. For this team, animals come on a second or third recheck of the property. We have attempted EVPs by that point, and it is possible that more spirit communication could be facilitated by the presence of the pets than without it -- with entities, it is hard to know. So, for those who are out there for EVPs, take a sound print of the pet and edit pet noises out when reviewing EVPs. On my own recordings, pet noises are quite obvious. Otherwise, make special arrangements to do EVPs without the pets present. It is a simple enough thing to do.
These days, I rarely do investigations alone, but if I am alone I do not take the pets with me as a matter of their safety. In addition, on active investigations, I rely on the input of my team to also determine the safety factor of a location and as addition guardians of the pet. If someone decides to use a pet on an investigation, PLEASE use common sense and think of the pet's protection first.
