Welcome to another Wednesday Weirdness. Today, I have a strange tale that will certainly strike at the heart of any pet lover.
Many people love to take their dogs for a walk. Whether it’s a turn around the neighborhood, a stroll down a country lane or a jaunt through the park, it’s a relaxing experience for owner and companion. If you have a dog, you may have even meandered across a bridge or two, your best friend trotting happily at your side. The image certainly conjures a quaint picture.
Unless you happen to be walking your pet on the Overtoun Bridge in Scotland.

Looking across Overtoun Bridge. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia. Lairich Rig [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)%5D, via Wikimedia Commons
Since the 1960s more than fifty dogs have leapt to their death from the bridge. Making that anomaly even stranger is the fact all of the dogs have jumped from the exact same spot, and each apparent “suicide” has occurred on pleasant, sunny days. All of the dogs involved have been “long-nosed” breeds—collies, labradors and retrievers. A few, fortunate enough to survive the fall, returned to the top of the bridge and leapt from the same spot again, as if compelled by a supernatural force.
Why this horrifically odd behavior from man’s best friend? Is it possible a dog can suffer depression and commit suicide? Or is the bridge cursed, as some speculate?

Overtoun House, Photo courtesy of Wikimedia. By dave souza (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)%5D, via Wikimedia Commons
The most practical explanation to date involves the presence of mink below the bridge. In marking their territory, it’s believed the mink emit a scent powerful enough to lure the dogs to their death. Overcome by the odor, the dogs react instinctively. Blinded by the wall rising beside them, they fail to realize the height from which they plummet.
Why, however, would any animal that survived such a fall, willingly return to the bridge and jump again?
Perhaps the answer will never be known. Thus any dog-owner should be wary when taking their pet for a stroll across Scotland’s Overtoun Bridge. I certainly would!
I have heard of this, but the explanations don’t really fit. We need a dog to tell us!
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I agree. If only pets could speak!
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Certainly wierd, although any dog living in Scotland must have its sanity challenged in so many ways!
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LOL! I love that! 🙂
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Wow.. what a weird story Mae.. interesting that it tends to be mainly those breeds. I certainly would not be walking my dog over that particular bridge… thanks for sharing..
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So nice to have you visit, Sally!
Yes, I would definitely think twice before taking my dog for a stroll across this bridge!
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I’ve heard of this place. Didn’t know about the dogs who survived jumping a second time. Weird!
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So, bizarre, isn’t it? Poor dogs. It’s mind-boggling why they would behave this way.
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Oooo…creepy!
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I thought so too.
Very strange.
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I have heard about this place, totally freaky (and sad). If I ever took my wonderful dog to a bridge like that, I’d have a tight leash on him!
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Absolutely. A leash with a firm grip would solve the problem. Especially when reaching the “spot.”
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I never heard of this before. What a strange occurrence. I guess we will never know why, but the speculation could create a great story.
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Speculation is always what attracts me to stories like this. They’re so strange, it definitely makes you wonder “why.”
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What a bizarre story, MC. And sad. What is the history of Overtoun House?
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A good question, Noelle. I didn’t delve into the history of Overtoun House, but it would be interesting to know what tragedies took place there. I got the impression there is a negative energy associated with the house from hauntings that could be influencing dogs on the bridge,
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What a strange way to die! I cannot imagine why a poor dog would choose to jump twice. A bit spooky…
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I agree. Whatever force or scent is compelling them to behave this way, it must be strong indeed!
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That is the strangest one you’ve shared yet. I can’t imagine multiple dogs doing such a thing, let alone twice.
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I thought it was bizarre, too. I keep thinking it has to be related to scent in some way, but to jump a second time? If only dogs could talk and tell us what’s going on!
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Sound maybe??? Something we can’t hear?
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Ooo, I hadn’t considered sound, but that’s another idea. Makes sense it could be.
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This is so crazy! It’s one of the strangest things I’ve ever heard.
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I agree, Lauralynn. Definitely bizarre. I feel so badly for the poor dogs!
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Wow – that is a freaky tale. And heartbreaking. Amazing they go back to the same spot again.
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I know. It just doesn’t make sense. Mysteries like this are mind-boggling.
And so sad!
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My sheltie, Sandman, used to react when my late hubby was around. He did all sorts of things to let me know hubby was paying a visit and wouldn’t stop until I acknowledged it.
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Wow! A co-worker once told me her German Shepherd used to do the same thing when it sensed her late husband in the room. I do believe animals are sensitive things we aren’t. Thanks for sharing, Mary Lou!
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Such a strange thing to keep happening and rehappening. I couldn’t imagine taking a dog there that wasn’t firmly on a leash. Makes you wonder what they are seeing that humans aren’t.
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I agree. There has to be something they’re seeing (or scenting) that people can’t. It seems to bizarre for reality!
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That’s a sad and fascinating tale. My dog just nearly strangled himself falling over a railing when I was trying to drag him away from it. The leash got stuck on the crossbar and I had to untangle him. He went right back to the same spot to investigate whatever caught his attention in the first place. And he’s a Lab. I’d like to think it’s the breed’s innate sense of smell combined with curiosity, but if I’m being honest, this dog is just spoiled, strong, and not the brightest bulb in the box. Thank God we don’t live by that bridge!
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Aww, he sounds lovable. 🙂
I’m so glad you were able to rescue him from that situation! His curiosity almost sounds like that of a cat–although a cat would know better than to go back again. I love labs, and spoiled is how all pets should be. You made me chuckle about not being the brightest bulb. He must still be learning!
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He’s huge, but he’s still basically a puppy. Only one and a half. His exuberance is adorable.
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I can just picture him. That’s when they’re really into everything 🙂
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He’s jumping around with a toy at the moment. Looks more like a kangaroo than a dog. Or maybe a dog on an invisible pogo stick. I never saw a dog jump like this.
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You have me cracking up! He definitely sounds entertaining, LOL.
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I’ve never heard this strange story but the ending seems to explain the reason, a compelling scent could be blocking all other senses. Thanks for sharing Mae.
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I agree that scent seems the most logical choice. It must, however, be an extremely powerful one. Hopefully, someone will figure it out soon!
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Why am I hearing the Twilight Zone theme song while I read this? Gave me the willies, Mae. Nice job.
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I aim to bring willies now and then 🙂
Glad you found it interesting, John!
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Very much so.
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That is definitely weird, and sad. All those wonderful dogs.
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I know, right? And I am such a sap when it comes to animals.
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Makes you wonder! They should put up a Keep Your Dog on a Leash sign to protect innocent pooches. It would be awful to watch your dog jump.
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It would be wretched. I can’t even imagine.
I like your idea of a sign. Leashing your dog would make all the difference.
Thanks for reading and commenting!
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Wow, that’s creepy! And all the more reason to keep your pets on a leash!
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Yep. I’d invest in a good strong one!
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Now THAT is downright scary. Were these animals enacting their version of a giant leap of faith? Utterly fascinating. I love learning about these things. 🥰
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I’m the same way, Soooz. Things like this always get me thinking. I find them fascinating and love speculating about all the “why” possibilities. I feel so bad for the poor dogs, but it is interesting examining what could cause success a thing.
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That is totally bizarre, Mae! There is no logical explanation. It has to be something that the human eye can’t see or sense. It certainly leaves a lot to speculation. Thanks for sharing such a weird phenomenon!
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Yep, I agree completely. I love the idea that there are things we can’t see or sense but animals can. 🙂
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Omg that’s awful!! It’s got to be the mink thing… or some bloody vengeful ghost 😣
I know I’d never go across that bridge, dog or no.
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I think it has to be scent related too…although I guess it could be a “bloody vengeful ghost” too 🙂
I’d definitely avoid the place with a dog!
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Wow, what an incredible story, Mae. The dog owners must be horrified.
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I know I would be. I feel badly for both the poor dogs and their owners.
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Wii…Erd! Like this series though… Schucks, just realised, I forgot to do a wordless Wednesday!
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Well, you’ll have to set a reminder for next week, LOL.
And I’m glad you like my weird series, 🙂
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I shall endeavour not to miss any, Mae. 😀
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😀
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Never heard of this bridge! Interesting!
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I’m glad I could share something interesting. Thanks for reading and commenting!
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😇
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Pingback: Seven Links 10/19/19 Traci Kenworth – Where Genres Collide Traci Kenworth YA Author & Book Blogger
Very creepy and tragic, Mae. I have no idea why dogs would do such a thing. So sad. 😦
And I was watching a tv show about monsters and had no idea that the mothman of Point Pleasant is a real thing. I was jumping up and down, pointing at the tv, and yelling at my husband,”I read that book!” Just had to add that. 😀
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LOL! That is so cool, Diana. I love any time I can catch a show on the Mothman. He made quite a splash in the 1966 and 1967, and had a ton of press. This past decade there have been reports of a Mothman like creature in Lake Michigan. There’s a book out I have to pick up, because anything Mothman related, I am there! 🙂
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I was telling my grandson (age 6) about him, but of course in that version he was a nice mothman who helps people who are lost in the woods. 🙂 Ha ha.
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😀
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Wow. Weird. Intriguing. And great fodder for a paranormal or supernatural mystery!
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It might have to go on my list of oddities to include in a novel or short story, LOL!
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I’ve heard about this bridge as well and it’s seems so creepy. Dogs are always such kind, happy, and sweet creatures, which makes the idea of this bridge even more of a creepy mystery. so weird!
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Hi, Leesha! Glad you dropped in.
I agree with you about dogs…they ‘re just so happy to be loved.
This is definitely a sad mystery.
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I’ve heard of this place. It’s almost unbelievable. Almost but not quite
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Hi! It is so strange, isn’t it? I was surprised by the number of people who were familiar with it. Thanks so much for stopping by!
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