As the weather becomes nicer with each passing day in Ohio, the exploring starts to take a much fuller course – along with the ticks – but I will take ticks and warmth over frozen weather and 10 coats any day. Don’t get me wrong, exploring in the winter months can provide a great and much different atmosphere, but let’s be honest, it is much harder to slide yourself through a cracked door while wearing 10 coats and resembling a hot air balloon.

On my way into Pennsylvania once, I had noticed a very intriguing country home sat behind some brush, a broken wooden fence stretched perfectly across the front yard. A few days later, I returned to this location with my camera, ready to explore and photograph whatever might lie inside.

My first impression of this home was that it seemed a bit odd in shape. I entered through a side door, where no longer remained a door at all, but crumbling wood flakes drenched by water damage. Stepping inside, I found myself within a circular kitchen, complete with a winding staircase along the curved wall.



Continuing into the home, I found a narrow rectangular corridor leading into yet another curved, circular room, this one being the living room. Suits remained packaged, hanging from their rack, along with other various fancy articles of clothing. I began to wonder why the home had such a strange shape. It was odd to think that someone had actually lived in such a strange place.




Formerly adorned with photos, plaques and all kinds of – what seemed to be – awards, the wall now sits bare, aside from the charred edges, showcasing where these pieces had all formerly been hung. My guess is that many of the photos formerly displayed must have been photographs of his pets. Due to a fire, crisp edges remained from where edges of the frames would have sat, pressed against the wall.




I followed the stairs up, finding myself at the second floor, which resembled the exact same shape as the first. Still puzzled as to why this house held such an odd shape, I continued to explore the floors which I could now see had caught fire through the center of the home, leaving the bathroom a scattered mess, complete with a natural “skylight.”

While sifting through documents, it became apparent that the former owner was a dog lover, as well as former author of a book on the animal called “The Dog Fancier.” Kennels and cages, dog toys and awards for dog shows lined the floors of the upstairs. Glancing upwards from where I stood, I realized that I was standing beneath one of the largest bee hives I have ever seen, but thankfully, that too was abandoned.

It was not until much later, on my way back home I had come to a sudden realization that this man’s home was shaped so oddly to resemble none other than a dog bone! Sure, it may not have been the perfect representation of the tasty treat but as far as architecturally concerned, it was a great attempt. The home was constructed of concrete and metal to hold its shape, and is to this day one of the strangest abandoned homes I have ever explored.

Oh, and I love the bird cage.