Hellhounds!

The black phantom dog is one of the world's most sinister and intriguing legends. Several theories have been put forward to explain such ghastly spectres which take on varying forms, but always have the characteristics of huge, fiery-eyed dogs. Such manifestations have been observed headless and often roaming old cemeteries, whilst on other occasions they have been seen wearing heavy chains around their necks. Ghostly hellhounds also appear red, white, yellow and blue in colour, although black is usually their coloration, and they have been known to float, disappear into balls of flame, and often haunt lonely roads, sometimes in the vicinity of churchyards.

Such a beast is said to roam the area known as Darktown in Lehigh County, a place known for several other strange apparitions such as a troll-like figure often said to appear in the old, abandoned village. The place has strong connections to Native Americans but sits as a ruinous and eerie setting occupied by a large, spectral dog, mainly in an area known as "The Alamo," situated near the Thomas Iron Works. Several spooky legends are tied to the location, and ghost stories have filled the night air for many decades.

In Delaware County, at the SPCA Cemetery, it's rumored that an evil hound roams the burial ground. Such a beast, once known as "Bear," is often seen in the vicinity of the graves where hundreds of pets and other animals have been buried in the past. The dog was said to have been a savage creature that once mauled a man and so was put down, but forever roams the foggy confines salivating through the graves. Those that have seen the dog claim it only appears after 11:00 pm, but such a grisly hound can be conjured should one be brave enough to cling onto a certain section of fencing. Those bold enough to hang on will surely see the burning eyes of the black critter as it emerges from the mist...

Are such monsters omens of death, signs of impending doom? Do they exist merely as ghostly pets, or something more sinister, as guardians to the gates of Hell?

Photo supplied by the author