IN the run-up to Halloween, it seems even our furry friends are on high alert for any ghostly activity, as a rescue dog uncovered several spooky encounters at a Northwich office.

Sarah Mackay and Fern Gresty run the iPET Network, and the company's pet friendly head office in Leftwich is a haven for staff-member's dogs.

But over the last week, a number of ‘supernatural’ disturbances have led 14-year-old collie-cross rescue Pickle to be on edge.

"Pickle is such a sweet and calm girl, but over the last week she really has been on high alert,” said Fern.

Northwich Guardian:

“There are parts of the office where she just stares at things which aren't there, cocking her head from side to side as though someone is talking to her.

"Another day a staff member put down their mug, and stepped away for five minutes, when they returned it was in a completely different room and Pickle was standing next to it.

“It was full of hot tea, so we know she couldn't have moved it herself."

With Halloween week up on us, iPET Network staff are hoping no other ghostly goings-on will occur, and that Pickle's brush with the supernatural will be confined to just a few small episodes.

Northwich Guardian:

Fern added: "They say that dogs are highly attuned to this sort of thing, and Pickle can definitely see things that we can't.

“It's been quite a funny experience, but I would love to know what or who she is looking at and engaging with in our offices."

Leftwich is no stranger to ghosts, and Leftwich Hall, which was pulled down in the 1800s, was known for sightings of the 'grey lady' who was thought to have been entombed in the wall of one of the rooms.

Northwich Guardian:

It’s not far from the iPET Network's office in Clifton Drive, so this could explain Pickle's curious behaviour.

iPET Network, provides Ofqual regulated qualifications for animal care providers and staff-member's dogs were even the inspiration for the organisation's latest Dogs In The Workplace qualification.