Every year, as October comes to a close, families across Mexico and Central America prepare to celebrate Día de los Muertos. Day of the Dead is a time to remember and honor loved ones who have passed on. While many associate the holiday with skeletons, flowers, and sugar skulls, this beautiful tradition is about connection, memory, and love that never fades. Before the main celebrations begin on November 1 and 2, the days prior hold a special place in the hearts of those who celebrate, including pet lovers. Today, we’re honoring the pets we’ve loved and lost by sharing ways to celebrate their memory this week and throughout the year.
Honoring Our Animals
According to popular Mexican tradition, October 27 is the day when the spirits of animals who have passed come back to visit. It’s a moment to pause, reflect, and remember the pets who filled our lives with companionship, laughter, and unconditional love. For those who shared their lives with dogs who wagged their tails for us, cats who purred on our laps, or birds who sang us awake each morning, this evening offers a space for gratitude for all the good pets bring into our lives.
On October 27th, pet lovers light candles or place offerings (aka ofrendas) for their animal companions to enjoy while visiting. Favorite toys, collars, photos, and even treats can be arranged on a small altar to welcome their spirits back home. Some choose to place marigolds, known as cempasúchil flowers, along pathways or doorways, guiding their beloved pets with the bright color and soft scent that, as tradition says, help spirits find their way. Many leave bowls of fresh water, because the journey from the Rainbow Bridge is said to make them thirsty. Pan de muertos, papel picado, and other customary sweets, decor, and details adorn the space to entice them to come forth on this special day.
The Week of Remembrance
In Mexican tradition, each day leading up to Dia de los Muertos, November 2nd, is believed to honor different souls, creating a gentle rhythm of remembrance throughout the week. Here’s how these days are often celebrated:
- October 27: The spirits of animals and pets return.
- October 28: Those who died suddenly or tragically are remembered.
- October 29: Those who have no one left to remember them are honored.
- October 30: Those who died as children or young people return first.
- October 31: Those who were never baptized are remembered.
- November 1 (Día de los Angelitos): The day of the little angels, honoring children who have passed.
- November 2 (Día de los Muertos): The day when all adult souls are welcomed and celebrated.
This progression reminds us that remembrance is wide enough to hold everyone, people, animals, and the forgotten alike. Each offering made and candle lit keeps memories alive in a cycle of love and renewal.
The Dog That Guides Souls
You may have seen a dog that is often represented as a skeleton during the Day of the Dead celebrations. This dog is the Xoloitzcuintli, an ancient hairless breed native to Mexico. This breed, commonly called a “Xolo,” has deep ties to Aztec mythology and symbolism related to the afterlife.
- Guide to the underworld: The Aztecs believed that Xoloitzcuintli dogs guided the souls of the deceased through Mictlán, the underworld. The dogs were said to help their human companions cross the final, treacherous river to reach eternal rest.
- Visual representation: While the dog is not a skeleton in real life, its depiction as a skeleton for the Day of the Dead symbolizes its role as a spiritual guide in the land of the dead. It’s a culturally specific version of a calavera, or artistic skull.
- Modern culture: A famous Xoloitzcuintli named Dante was featured in the Pixar movie Coco, where he guides the main character through the Land of the Dead. I loved Dante’s character!
Honoring the Pets We’ve Loved and Lost
For many, losing a pet means losing a daily source of joy and comfort. Observing October 27 (or any day during this season) with intention can be healing and reassuring. You might spend time looking through photos, sharing stories, or going somewhere they loved to visit or explore.
Even though their physical presence may be gone, their spirit, the loyalty, affection, and playfulness they gave, remains part of our lives. According to some, our animal companions help guide human souls across the spiritual bridge, offering their steadfast loyalty and guidance in death as they did in life.
As you decorate your altar or light a candle this week, take comfort in knowing that love, especially the kind shared with our pets, never truly disappears. It lingers between worlds, glowing softly like the marigolds that lead them home.
Honoring Our Friends at Shoreline Happy Paws
At Shoreline Happy Paws, we take this special time of year to honor and remember the beloved pets we’ve had the privilege to care for. This week especially, our hearts reflect on the joyful moments and unique bonds shared during our time together. From playful walks along the shoreline to quiet moments of comfort and companionship, we cherish each paw print left on our hearts. We hold their spirits close, celebrating the unconditional love that pets bring into our lives. Today and every day, we invite our community to join us in honoring the furry friends who have touched our lives so deeply.
The Best Care for Shoreline CT Pets
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We serve the following areas of the Connecticut Shoreline:
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