Photos from event 

We had a booth and pet altar at the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Festival at Mesilla Plaza on Oct. 31st and Nov. 1st.  For anyone new to this holiday, it is one that celebrates both life and death and honors and remembers our loved ones who have passed on.  The belief is that for these two days (Nov. 1 and Nov. 2), souls of the dead come back for a visit, and we honor them and place their favorite things on altars during this time.  Since pets are family, we honor them in the same way.

At this year's event, more than 75 people wrote momentos to their pets or brought pictures and other items to place on the altar.  These are pictures from the event; select the picture you want to zoom into and read about, or scroll through them all.

Momento messages

Here are some highlights of the many messages written to people's beloved pets this year.

"Dear Pancy - I dream about you often still even tho it's been almost 30 years.  Sorry I wasn't there that Dec. day in Northern New York when you died but I was in the hospital in town having Darby my son - you were a beautiful golden retriever and really had the life - about 17 years old - RIP - Ellen"

"Missy, we still miss you after more than 10 years. - Diane & Hank"

"For Looney.  Hope you are enjoying doggie heaven.  Love you."

"For Jackson cat.  Your life was so brief and in the end such discomfort and pain.  I hope that you are in a beautiful place now.  Ursa cat misses your playful companionship.  Love, Gloria"

"To Jake - my soul mate who helped me grow.  To Bailey and Fiona who traveled the dream with me. - RD"

"In loving memory of my buddy, Scruffy.  You had the softest nose & ears.  I miss you."

"To Misty, Keke - I miss you and pray you are happy in your space.  I will see and pet you again someday.  To Keke - so beautiful your smile and presence.  Thank you for our precious Tigs, Two Sox, and Foxy - you will always be in my heart.  God, please protect Tiggy, Foxy, Two Sox, Honey Bear and Santo - may they bless us for many years to come. Love always, Sana - cat Mom"

"Pommo - We love you!  You are still with me everyday.  Thanks for all you taught me! XOXO"

"King - my first love, you taught me patience.  Hooch - a true friend who came into my life with my new family.  Juniper - my baby.  I miss you so ..."

"Maggie - I miss your smile. Remember to jump high. Love, Dad" 

"To my Tiger.  You always lit up my world and day when I was sad.  I love you!  Elizabeth"

"To Skipper, my friend, who left too soon.  To Cody, who taught me about cat ways and opened the door for the rest.  To all my fosters wherever they are. - KG"

"To Renard.  You were "mine" only for a short time, but I loved you so much.  RIP, Dear. - HL"

"To Balou - The sweetest and baddest dog ever.  I'll never forget you. Becki"

"Wilmo - You were a great dog.  I know I'll see you in the next life.  XXOO"

"Hi, Mikey - I miss you and your sweet, cute face.  Please know you are loved. Dear Lord, please watch over all the sweet souls in the animal spirits that bless us - thank you for our time here."

"Spirit - Even though you lived with us a short time, we loved you much.  Love, Mom & Dad"