Stories about spirit animals go back for centuries.

You occasionally hear a story about an animal in a secluded spot (I know a story about a dirt road in Maryland where people claim to hear a dog growling at them as they pass for example), and occasionally hear a story about
an animal that’s of the wild variety (a bear or big cat).

For the most part though animal spirits are pets, appear not long after passing, and are usually seen by the humans that cared for them.  While you can decide for yourself, truthfully I think that first sentence explains the vast majority of supposed animal hauntings.  Many people are saddened by the loss of their beloved pet and subconsciously keep them around a little longer.  Completely understandable, but I don’t think that’s always the case.

Many former pet owners report not only seeing their pet but hearing and sometimes smelling them as well. 
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The animals seem to most often continue the routine they followed in life, near a food bowl or the same chair or bed where they slept.

However as I said on the previous page, my very first paranormal experience was hearing a dog barking as clearly as if it were standing next to me.  I was not alone, and while I knew I was in an active location I’d never heard anything about a dog or animal of any kind.  We heard it several times that night and on numerous other nights in the same location.