PetKnows

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what would you bring with you? How about man’s best friend?

For the past five seasons of the hit show LOST, we’ve watched the stories unfold of the survivors of Flight #815 as they face trials and tribulations on an island that is not all that it seems. And while we can now rattle off facts about our human survivors thanks to 86 episodes rife with flashbacks and flash forwards, little is known about the island’s sole canine: Vincent, the yellow Labrador retriever. Sure, at first glance, it appears he is just Walt’s faithful sidekick, but us LOST fans know better.

So, without further ado, here are my top four favorite Vincent theories:

1. Vincent is the Smoke Monster: Many fans think Vincent actually died on the crash, and the Smoke Monster become a manifestation of the Vincent to keep an eye on the survivors. According to Lostpedia, Vincent has been a catalyst on several occasions for the survivors to venture into the jungle, often with cataclysmic results. Most chilling? Vincent is never around when the Smoke Monster appears.
2. Vincent is the Grim Reaper: It’s usually not a good sign when Vincent shows up. He has been associated with a number of deaths on the island, most notably appearing before Shannon’s untimely demise.  Vincent was also the to first to find the freighter doctor’s body when it washed up on shore.
3. Vincent is Jacob: Much like the Smoke Monster theory, in order to keep an eye on the survivors, Jacob transforms into a trustworthy yellow lab. Vincent obviously knows his way around the Island and has the ability to roam freely amongst the group. When Vincent disappears for days at a time, perhaps it’s because he’s holding office hours in his cabin, controlling every move of the island’s inhabitants.
4. Vincent has psychic powers: Vincent’s first owner, Walt, had special mental powers. When Shannon took over ownership of Vincent, she began having visions as well. Was Vincent the conduit? Additionally, “Retrievers of Truth” featured a study funded backed by the mysterious Hanso Foundation to study the psychic abilities of yellow labs. Fun fact: the scientist behind the site is named Dr. Vincent Wally Bole. ‘Wally Bole’ is an anagram for ‘yellow lab.’

Hopefully when the show wraps up next year, all of our questions - and particularly our pet-themed ones - will be answered. Happy watching!