Happy New Year, everyone! I hope you enjoyed the holiday season. Time to kick of 2022 with a new Mystery Monday post. This month, we’re going across the pond to the country of Scotland.
Overtoun House is a nineteenth-century country mansion built between 1860 and 1863 near West Dunbartonshire, Scotland. Originally owned by James White, a retired lawyer and co-owner of a chemical company, the house sits on a hill overlooking the River Clyde.
After White’s death in 1884, his son John inherited the house and surrounding property. John wanted to expand the almost two-thousand-acre estate and acquired additional land. A waterfall on the Overtoun burn divided the eastern and western sides of the property. To solve this problem he hired landscape artist Henry Milner to design a bridge. The beautiful stone structure, comprised of three arches, was completed in 1885.
Photo by Allan Ogg – Allan Ogg, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=27596376
During the 1950s, local residents began referring to the bridge as the “Bridge of Death” or “Dog Suicide Bridge,” when it was reported that dogs began leaping from the bridge to the ravine below. The story gained more prominence between 2000 and 2010. Approximately fifty dogs have died from the fall with over six hundred surviving the leap.
In 2004, a man and his family were walking their Golden Retriever when it suddenly bolted and leaped from the bridge. The dog survived but, as you might expect, was traumatized by the incident. In 2005 at least five other dogs jumped over the course of six months.
Photo By dave souza – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=79877339
In 2014, Alice Trevorrow walked with her Springer Spaniel when she reported a strange incident. “I had parked up and as she is so obedient, I didn’t put her leash on… Me and my son walked toward Cassie, who was staring at something above the bridge… she definitely saw something that made her jump. There is something sinister going on. It was so out of character for her.”
A number of theories have been proposed as to the cause of this strange behavior. Canine psychologist David Sands believed a combination of the surrounding foliage, the extremely deep drop-off that appears to be rather even, and the scent of male mink urine lures the dogs to jump. Some have disputed this theory, stating there are no mink in the area.
In 2019, Bob and Melissa Hill, the current owners of Overtoun House, stated that in seventeen years of living there they had witnessed a number of dogs become agitated and fall from the bridge. He believes dogs catch the scent of mink, pine martens, or other animals. Hill, a former pastor, also said he thinks the grounds of the house holds some sort of spiritual quality.
Local teacher Paul Owens argues for the possibility of supernatural activity. He states dogs and other animals are more sensitive to such activity and believes darks spirits could be luring the dogs to their deaths.
Whatever the case, something is luring dogs off the Overtoun Bridge. It often happens in the same spot and is always on dry, sunny days. No matter the reason, dog owners crossing the bridge would be wise to exercise caution and keep their dogs on leashes.
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36 Responses
That’s actually pretty spooky.. There’s no way I would take my dog anywhere near such a place (better safe than sorry!)
This was such an interesting post, Joan, thanks for sharing it!
Right there with you, Sheri. I’d keep my dogs far away.
I wonder if the architect was just a cat person..
Interesting thought. 🙂 I’m a cat person, but I also like dogs. Wouldn’t wish that on any creature.
Thank you. 😋
I’m also a cat person (who just happens to love most animals..) so these kinds of stories are just tragic to me. It does make for an intriguing mystery, though.
I remember reading about this before, but glad to see it again. It’s crazy and I would never take my dog for a walk over that bridge, even leashed.
I agree, Denise. I’ve had a strong dog pull away from me, and if the urge to flee was strong… I don’t even want to think about it.
Good grief, this is a freaky story. I’m with Sheri and Denise, I’d never take my dog there. Fascinating, Joan. Thanks for sharing.
I’d be wary of taking my dog there as well. Strange thing.
This is so sad! I have no idea if they’ll ever find a reason for it, but I know I’d keep my dogs away from there. Fascinating, though tragic, story. Thanks, Joan.
You know me. I love to dig into unsolved mysteries. Wonder if they will ever learn the reason? Keeping the dogs away is a good idea.
Eek! How sad. Thanks for sharing, Joan.
It is sad, Jill. I can’t imagine how I’d feel if that happened to my dog.
I’ve heard of this place before, somehow. It’s just incredibly creepy. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Very creepy. Thanks for stopping by, Craig.
Wow. What an intriguing place. For sure, I’d keep my dog away from there. Thanks for sharing, Joan. Happy New Year 💕🙂
I’d certainly keep my dog away from that bridge. And I’d probably stay away as well. No sense in taking any chances.
I’m familiar with this and always found it so odd and also tragic. Those poor dogs! It definitely makes for a compelling but disturbing mystery!
I feel so sad for the dog owners. (And for the dogs.) It does make me wonder what they’re seeing.
I have heard of this bridge before. It’s a chilling mystery. I do think my dog sees more than I do, but what could he and other dogs possibly see that would make them flee/jump?
I do believe animals can sense and see things we don’t. This is a strange thing. What would make them want to jump?
I hope they put up a huge sign warning dog owners to keep their dogs on leashes. So sad, and so odd….
One would hope so, Judi. Indeed, this is a weird thing.
That is awful. I am pretty sure I’d avoid it. My dear dog is too precious!
I don’t have a dog now, but I agree. I would avoid the place at all costs. All my pets are special to me.
This was a good one, Joan. Thank you.
You’re welcome, John. One of the strangest events I’ve written aobut.
Yes indeed. I do think there is a spook on that bridge. maybe a big invisible cat.
Now, that’s an interesting theory!
😳
Oh no, poor pups…
I know. Sad, isn’t it.
I had heard of this before, Joan- how sad. I don’t think I’d chance my dog anywhere near there.
I know I wouldn’t! I’d think twice about walking there myself.
How bizarre, Joan! Who the heck knows, but I for sure think I’d keep my pooch on a leash when walking across the bridge! Thanks for sharing!
Definitely a good idea!