El Cadejo,Dog with Red Eyes
Legends
One of the most popular myths in Central America and Mexico is the legend of el Cadejo. Legend explains that two separate entities exist with this same name. The first Cadejo takes the shape of an evil wooly black dog with fiery red eyes and goat hooves, while the other Cadejo materializes as a noble and friendlier looking wooly white dog, also with goat hooves. The black Cadejo stays close to men who live a life of excess (including drunks or drifters). Once he clings to them, he licks their faces to prevent them from escaping their precarious life situation, and ultimately leads them to their death. The white Cadejo on the other hand, is a protector of the weak. He takes care of women and children in the streets, sheltering them from evil. The white Cadejo is the only hope for men being haunted by the black Cadejo, as both are natural enemies and do not hesitate to battle one other—especially since it’s in the white creature’s nature to protect any victim, including these men who’ve lost their way. Legends also say that el Cadejo cannot be seen, but that the people for whom it stands guard can feel a supernatural presence around them as well as a strong smell of sulphur and rottenness.