Do our loved ones visit us after they pass away? And if so, can they also take another form, such as an owl? These wide-eyed birds are among the animals most often associated with the spiritual realm, serving as messengers that can silently cross the veil between worlds. For instance, many Native American tribes consider owls to be the embodiment of the spirit of the dead or to be associated with spirits.
While there are many stories about owls and spirits, here’s one that provides an unusually detailed account. An account manager from Scottsdale, Arizona, Shai Ward, shared the story on TikTok, where it went viral to over 7.5 million viewers. It’s about a Great Horned Owl dubbed Bob after Shai’s late grandfather.
Video about Bob the Owl via Daily Reddit Clips:
Bob the Owl Starts Visiting 98-Year-Old Grandma
On February 24, 2022, Shai’s 98-year-old grandmother, Ranna, began seeing Bob the Owl on the patio of her home. Thereafter, the visits became a regular occurrence, as the owl appeared each week, stretching on for months.
While owls are nocturnal and almost always stay out of sight during the day, this one came around in the sunshine! For example, here’s Bob, as seen on TikTok in October 2022. Not only was he out in broad daylight, but he was hooting at the camera, too!
“Bob š¦ was back today! Hanging out by the patio fountain. My mom captured this video, so I thought I would share. Heās very much still around š¦šµš¼ā¤ļø” Shai shared on TikTok.
Even more unusual, Bob was at ease with the whole family, sitting still as they moved around him on the patio. Was he someone’s pet before, or was this something much more unusual?
Of all the family, Bob was focused on Ranna, hooting softly when she appeared. Whenever she came outside, he seemed to be communicating with her.
Whenever Ranna left, he would even wait by the door. One day, Shai’s mother was visiting and cracked the door for Bob. Then, she turned on the air conditioner for him in the Arizona heat. He came right inside and made himself at home on the carpet!
Whenever Ranna arrived, he would talk to her.
“Every time he sees her he just starts talking!” said Shai. “Itās the coolest thing. They have their own little language.ā
Was the Owl Really Ranna’s Husband Bob?
Often, Ranna would walk right up to Bob the Owl as he perched on her patio railing or sat in the center of a circular table. And she was mesmerized by the owl’s golden eyes.
“I just can’t get over those eyes!” Ranna said.
“I know!” replied Shai.
Eventually, Shai suspected the owl’s behavior had a profound meaning. Given that Ranna’s husband had passed away two years prior, Shai wondered if it was actually him in some way. And the more it happened, the more it seemed plausible.
As Shai related, her grandparent’s bond was extremely strong. At the time of his passing, the couple had lived together for nearly 70 years. And there was also an unusual coincidence that further solidified the idea that this owl was, at the least, a messenger from Bob.
According to Shai, the owl appeared at Ranna’s home on the same day of Bob’s Celebration of Life ceremony in 2020. As you’ll recall, that day was February 24.
“So [Bob the owl] actually started coming around two years to the day that we all celebrated his life. So y’all can say it’s not my freaking Grandpa, but I’m sitting here shaking because there’s no way that it’s not in some sort of spiritual form.” Shia shared on TikTok.
The Owl Witnessed Grandma’s 100th Birthday
On January 19, 2024, Ranna reached her 100th birthday, marking the proud milestone at home. Leading up to the day, Ranna had been struggling with a long list of serious health concerns. Unfortunately, she didn’t often leave her bed. But thankfully, there were bursts of energy and “glimmers of positivity.”
On the day of the birthday celebration, Bob the Owl was perched on the patio above hers, making lots of hooting sounds. But he stayed slightly distanced from the commotion of the birthday party.
“Bob was very close by. He was on the patio directly above her, which was vacant. So, close enough for our liking,” Shai laughed.
Our Guardian Angel
Days later, Ranna passed away in the morning, peacefully in her sleep.
“Bob was around quite a bit that week…on her patio, just whooing a lot,” Shai said. “And I don’t know that he’s been seen since. Obviously, as a family, we are devastated…But just knowing that she’s with Grandpa is all we could ask for.”
Online, hundreds of people shared how much the story of Ranna and the owl touched them. And they thanked Shai for sharing it. Many were certain the owl was indeed a messenger from Bob. And although we can’t know for sure, it could be true!
“The owl is most definitely her spirit animal. God love her, we will miss herš,” commented @user nici5.
“Had to be! Thank you!” Shai responded
In another comment, Shai described her grandma as “an angel here on earth” who was now “our guardian š.” And she hoped that Bob the Owl would be able to fly away to help comfort another family. But first, he had another surprise appearance to make.
Bob Appeared For Ranna’s Celebration of Life Too!
On the day of Ranna’s Celebration of Life, Bob appeared once more. As you can see, he made himself a seat on the center of the round patio table!
“Bob š¦ showed up the day of Grandmas celebration of life. Tomorrow is the 2 year anniversary of when he started showing up. Hes brought so much joy and peace into our lives. Just seemed fitting that today he is close by. The days that he decides to make an appearance seem to be milestone days as of late! tomorrow is the funeral service and the final chapter to the matriarch of our family. ā¤ļøš«¶š¼š¦šµš¼” she wrote on TikTok.
You can see more in the video shared by Liam’s Stories or on Shai’s TikTok page.
Here is a video sharing the lovely couple’s picture, which has become a tattoo on Shai’s arm.
Images and story via TikTok/@shaix_2