Honoring the Pets Who Live in Our Hearts
As Halloween gives way to the season of remembrance, we invite you to look beyond the costumes and celebrations and discover the beautiful tradition of honoring the lives of those we love—including our beloved pets.
Halloween to most Americans is a time to dress up in costume and trick or treat. That is what I grew up with. When I moved to Tucson, I found out about the Day of the Dead (Dia de (los) Muertos), the multi-day holiday that remembers family and friends that have died. The celebration is over the end of October to November 6th, depending on the locality.
It is a celebration. You pay your respects and remember family, friends and of course your pets. It is a time to remember amusing events and anecdotes about the departed; it can even take a humorous tone. I know anniversaries of deaths are hard. I have felt that myself and deal with it every day from my clients. Los Muertos is different. It is about honoring that being, that soul that lived.
Traditionally you create a home altar for your departed loved ones. You put their picture out, an item that belonged to them, water, and a candle. Whisper their name into the glow of the candle. Because love never ends and always connects you. The hearts that miss you most in this realm, the warmth of love that never fades.
I especially do this for my cats and dogs because some people think that animals don’t have souls. That isn’t true and that belief is changing. I just had a client shyly say to me that she was taught that dogs don’t have a soul in church. I shared my thought that the Bible is God’s word according to man, so therefore, it has some translation errors in it at best. She looked relieved and immediately agreed with me. If we treat all sentient beings with dignity, it will make the world a more beautiful place.
There is something we can glean from the day of the dead celebrations. It is celebrating that we had those lives with our pets. I think it is important to do this- whether it is on the day of the dead holiday, when you walk past the memorial you created for your pet in the backyard, or like me when you miss buying apples every week to share with your horse that loved them. It is a realization that they are not gone from your memory, and your life is forever changed for the better because they were in your life.
I am reminded of a poem I loved as a kid-
I am thankful for sorrows, I'll meet with a grin
What fortune may send, good or ill.
I may not have wealth, I may not be great,
But I know I shall always be true,
For I have in my life that courage you gave
When once I rubbed shoulders with you.
Anonymous
There is an extraordinary bond between us and our pets in the afterlife. At this time, we honor our favorite pets. Not because you don’t want to let go, but because love never dies and deserves to be remembered. When souls are in heaven, they can be with you at the speed of thought. It makes them ecstatic when you think of them because it reunites your spirit with theirs.
The great thing about traditions is that you can incorporate them and make them your own. Take what you like from the example of Share with others the memories of your pets that have passed. Put out a candle for them. Enjoy the rich tapestry of memories that you created together. Because that is how our beloved pets on the other side live on.
At Pet Perennials, we believe the love we share with our pets deserves to be honored and remembered. That's at the heart of everything we do. Whether it's creating a special place of remembrance, lighting a candle, sharing a favorite story, or sending a thoughtful gift to someone missing a beloved companion, these small gestures help keep those memories close. Our hope is to bring a little comfort to those whose hearts are still healing and remind them that the pawprints left behind are part of a love that never fades.
