Fall is the perfect time to make some apple cider, roast some marshmallows outdoors, and tell a few ghost stories. For dog lovers, New York City has a wealth of ghost stories that feature our favorite pets.
At Dan’s Pet Care, we know some dog owners don’t enjoy stories involving dogs who meet a tragic end. But don’t worry — in these stories, you’ll read about dogs who are living their best lives, even in the afterlife. Keep reading to discover a few of New York City’s most fun and quirky dog ghost stories.
The ghost dog of Prospect Park
This story has the happiest ending you could expect from a tale of a ghostly dog. For four straight years, a mastiff was spotted on the grounds of Prospect Park by numerous visitors. However, every time officials were summoned to capture the dog, he was nowhere to be found. His uncanny knack for being seen but never touched earned him the nickname, “the ghost dog of Prospect Park.”
When animal shelter employees finally caught the dog, they reported that he seemed ready for human help. While he needed extensive health care and training before he was ready for adoption, prospective owners lined up for miles to give this determined pup a new lease on life.
The ghost dog of Greenwich Village
Historically, Greenwich Village has been known as a place where bohemian, artistic lifestyles are welcome. The ghost dog may have belonged to a local poet who enjoyed long walks in the park with his furry friend. One Halloween night, witnesses reported hearing a ghostly growl coming from Washington Square Park. Some locals claim that, every Halloween since, he’s returned to serenade the city with howls. Since Greenwich Village is often said to be one of New York City’s most dog-friendly spots, we can only assume he’s enjoying all of the company from living canines.
The legend of the Kaaterskill Ghost Dog
This story isn’t the happiest one on our list, but it involves a dog who died being a hero. We like to imagine that Vite, the ghost dog of Kaaterskill Falls, is still feeling proud of the courage he displayed.
Kaaterskill Falls is among the most dangerous waterfalls around. Many humans and animals have met their end by getting a little too close to the edge and being washed away by the current. But in 1868, Vite was hiking near the falls with his owner when tragedy struck. As he watched his owner go over the falls to his death, Vite put his own safety aside and jumped to the rescue. Sadly, he did not survive, but his ghost is said to remain at the falls to this day. It’s said that if you visit the falls on the night he died — June 19 — you can hear his ghostly barks and maybe even glimpse him jumping over the edge once more.
Today, Vite is commemorated by a plaque at the site of the incident. If you decide to visit the falls one day, you should exercise extreme caution.
The ghost of FDR’s dog, who haunts Grand Central Station
Franklin Delano Roosevelt was the United States’ 32nd president, but he was also a dog lover. HIs beloved pet, Fala, traveled with him by train on a secret track beneath Grand Central Terminal. This track, known as Track 61, helped FDR evade the public eye when he wanted to. This was helpful since the president suffered from significant health problems and wanted to keep them out of the spotlight.
Since Fala, a Scottish terrier, went almost everywhere with his owner, he also frequented the custom vehicle that FDR rode underground. Today, employees who visit the station late at night claim to see Fala in Grand Central Station, faithfully awaiting his owner’s return.
If you’d like to see Fala, you won’t need special access to Track 61. You can simply visit the FDR memorial in Washington, DC, where a statue of Fala stands beside his owner today.
It’s scary how much we love dogs at Dan’s Pet Care!
At Dan’s Pet Care, we’re a little obsessed with dogs — and we think that’s a good thing. Our fully licensed and experienced professionals can provide everything on your pet care needs list, from walking to grooming to boarding and more. Contact us today to get started!
