October 13th-Dog Man

Published by Aaron Perez

Published 10/13/2025

Image Credit: Brian Posinski

    In the dense forests of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, whispers of a terrifying creature have echoed for generations. Known as the Dogman, this cryptid blends the ferocity of a wolf with the upright stance of a human, stalking the night and leaving a trail of fear in its wake. Is it a remnant of ancient folklore, a misidentified animal, or something more sinister? Join me as we dive into the chilling tale of the Michigan Dogman, a legend that continues to captivate cryptozoology enthusiasts and skeptics alike.

What is the Michigan Dogman?

    The Dogman is often described as a seven-foot-tall beast with the muscular body of a man and the head of a dog or wolf. Covered in dark fur—typically brown or black—it boasts piercing glowing eyes, razor-sharp teeth, and pointed ears that stand alert. Witnesses report it walking bipedally, though it can drop to all fours for speed, emitting blood-curdling howls that sound otherworldly. This hybrid appearance evokes comparisons to werewolves, but the Dogman is said to be a distinct entity, not a shape-shifter but a primal guardian of the woods.

    Encounters often occur in remote areas like forests, abandoned sites, or even suburban edges, instilling an overwhelming sense of dread. Some accounts mention aggressive behavior, such as chasing people or breaking into cabins, while others describe it as elusive, vanishing into the shadows.

Origins and Historical Roots

    The legend of the Dogman draws from a rich tapestry of cultural influences. Indigenous tribes, such as the Odawa and Chippewa (Ojibwe), have oral histories featuring shapeshifting spirits or guardian animals that protect sacred lands. European settlers brought tales of werewolves, which merged with these native stories to form the modern Dogman myth.

    The first documented sighting dates back to 1887 in Wexford County, where two lumberjacks encountered a creature with a man's body and a dog's head. However, the legend exploded in popularity in 1987 when Traverse City radio DJ Steve Cook aired a song called "The Legend" as an April Fools' Day prank. Cook fabricated the lyrics based on imagined stories, but the broadcast prompted real listener reports of encounters, turning the joke into a cultural phenomenon. He updated the song in 1997 and 2007, and it remains a staple in Dogman lore.

    Skeptics argue that pre-1987 reports are scarce and may be retrofitted folklore, like werewolf tales from Europe or Asia (e.g., cynocephaly or Anubis). Believers, however, point to ancient rock art and global legends of bipedal canids as evidence of deeper roots.

Notable Sightings Through the Years

    Sightings have been reported across Michigan and beyond, with patterns emerging in the northwestern Lower Peninsula. Here are some key accounts:

  • 1938, Paris, Michigan: Robert Fortney was attacked by a pack of wild dogs, one of which stood on two legs like a man.
  • 1950s, Allegan County: Multiple reports of a similar creature terrorizing the area.
  • 1961, Paris, Michigan: Sheriff's deputy Robert Fortney (same as 1938 witness?) spotted a seven-foot beast with a dog's head while on patrol, fleeing despite being armed.
  • 1967, Manistee and Cross Village: Sightings linked to the Beast of Bray Road in Wisconsin by author Linda S. Godfrey.
  • 1997, Luther: An animal break-in at a cabin inspired Cook's song update.

    Post-1987, reports surged, including personal stories of red-eyed creatures in Arkansas, Michigan trails, and even national parks. Some describe aggressive pursuits, while others note a more observational demeanor.

Theories and Explanations

    The Dogman's existence is hotly debated. Skeptics chalk it up to misidentifications—think mangy bears standing upright, escaped wolves, or even hoaxes like the debunked Gable film. Psychological factors, such as confirmation bias and unreliable eyewitnesses, are often cited, especially since the legend gained traction after Cook's song.

    On the flip side, proponents suggest it could be an undiscovered species, a paranormal entity (interdimensional or astral), or a government cover-up. Author Linda Godfrey, who has researched Dogman for over 30 years, documents hundreds of accounts in books like The Beast of Bray Road, lending credibility to believers. Some tie it to broader cryptids like Bigfoot or skinwalkers, proposing it's a malevolent force linked to disappearances.

    Biologically, a bipedal canine seems implausible, but ancient depictions (e.g., 10,000-year-old Libyan rock art) fuel speculation about prehistoric survivors.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

    The Dogman has howled its way into pop culture. Beyond Cook's song, it's featured in documentaries, podcasts, and YouTube videos exploring cryptid legends. Books, art prints, and even merchandise keep the myth alive, symbolizing humanity's fascination with the unknown. In Michigan, it's a badge of local pride, blending terror with tourism—think haunted forest tours or cryptid festivals.

    Whether you view it as folklore or fact, the Dogman reminds us that the wilderness still holds secrets. Next time you're in the Michigan woods, listen closely... that howl might not be a coyote.

Sources:

Cook, Steve. "The Legend." WTCM-FM, 1 Apr. 1987.

Godfrey, Linda S. The Beast of Bray Road: Tailing Wisconsin's Werewolf. Prairie Oak Press, 2003.

Godfrey, Linda S. Weird Michigan. Sterling Publishing, 2006.

Hudson, Alison. "Skeptoid #477: Wag the Dogman." Skeptoid, 28 July 2015, skeptoid.com/episodes/4477. Accessed 13 Oct. 2025.

"Michigan Dogman." Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 10 Oct. 2024, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michigan_Dogman. Accessed 13 Oct. 2025.

Naish, Darren. "Werewolves in America; the Tale of Dogman." Tetrapod Zoology, 30 July 2024, tetzoo.com/blog/2024/7/30/the-tale-of-dogman. Accessed 13 Oct. 2025.

Newton, Michael. Hidden Animals: A Field Guide to Batsquatch, Chupacabra, and Other Elusive Creatures. ABC-CLIO, 2009.

Royce, Julie Albrecht. Traveling Michigan's Sunset Coast. Dog Ear Publishing, 2007.

Stuemke, Chad. "Dogman of Michigan." Chad Stuemke, chadstuemke.com/dogman-of-michigan/. Accessed 13 Oct. 2025.

"The Legend of Michigan's Dogman." Northern Michigan History, northernmichiganhistory.com/the-legend-of-michigans-dogman/. Accessed 13 Oct. 2025.


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