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O is for...

... Overtoun Bridge



The boundaries which divide Life from Death are at best shadowy and vague. Who shall say where the one ends, and where the other begins?
---Edgar Allan Poe


The Monk
This one is a bit of a morbid mystery-- a depressingly morbid mystery. And, that's saying a lot, coming from me...

Overtoun House
In West Dunbartonshire, Scotland, a 19th-century estate, Overtoun House, sits on a hill overlooking the River Clyde. The large, 2,000-acre estate is split by a waterfall on the Overtoun Burn. To connect the two sections of the estate, a road was built and the Overtoun Bridge erected.

Overtoun House is gorgeous, the estate picturesque. One would think a more heavenly place couldn't exist---but, all this beauty hides a dark secret--------- Overtoun Bridge is a killer! And not just your run-of-the-mill opportunistic killer either, nope this bridge is a serial killer with a penchant for canines.

Waterfall at Overtoun Burn
Aptly-named, the-dog-suicide-bridge, Overtoun Bridge has developed a reputation for being the final
walking path for some 60+ dogs. The rounded parapets atop the bridge lead to a 40-50 foot drop into an unforgiving gorge.

Families have walked their dogs, lead firmly in hand, only to watch in horror as their beloved furry child suddenly disappears over the edge of the bridge.

Overtoun Bridge
The big question is, WHY do dogs suddenly leap from the bridge?

Though, the even bigger question, in my mind is, WHY DO PEOPLE CONTINUE TO WALK THEIR DOGS ANYWHERE NEAR THIS BRIDGE????

There have been some interesting stories floating around as to why, some based in science, most based in the paranormal. Even as exciting as the paranormal answers seem, I'm more inclined to believe the answer to be more science-based. In fact, one Animal Behaviorist seems to think it's connected with the introduction of Mink from North America in the UK. It seems the "suicide rate" increased exponentially after the Mink were released into the wild. The Animal Behaviorist believes it to be related to the scenting of Minks---this theory is supported by the fact that most dogs that leapt over the bridge were breeds with long snouts, ie "scenting dogs".

The dogs, the Behaviorist believes, are catching a whiff of Mink scent and are trying to follow it, not knowing the tragic end that awaits them on the other side of the parapet...
Overtoun Bridge

Abandon hope, all you doggies who dare cross the Burn.



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