Black Dogs Options

Forgive me if this is the wrong forum to post this in, but I haven’t seen anything about it yet.
Throughout my childhood I often saw a large black dog following me or walking around my yard at night. It would come and go but was mainly present during times of high stress. Anytime I asked anyone I was with about it they told me they didn’t see anything and thought I was just imagining things.
I’ve tried looking it up online and collected a few folktales about them but most seem to imply that it is a death omen of sorts. Given that I’m a live after twenty some odd years of seeing it I rather think the folktales are off a bit but I’m unsure as to why its there and what if anything I should be doing about it.
It has shown up in a few pictures I’ve taken during rituals, even though no one saw it at the time. I thought it might be some sort of familiar except that it always feels vaguely threatening. Anyone have a similar experience or advice?

Could be a hellhound. You say you feel fear in it's presence? Listen to that fear. Fear is the mind's way of protecting you. You may have good reason to fear it. You can, however face your fear, and best this beast, but if it's intent is to instill fear in you, I do not believe you will come to call it a familliar. A familliar would likely assume a form that was more pleasing. Of course, you could attempt to earn it's favor. Try calling up a minor being, and tossing it to the hound. If he devours the being, and enjoys it, you could earn his trust/loyalty.

This post has been edited by Makavelli: Aug 2 2006, 12:45 PM