San Diego County Animal Services is honoring the pets who crossed the Rainbow Bridge during the No-Eltos period.
BONITA, Calif. — The Muertos holiday is officially on Friday and Saturday, but many San Diegans are remembering the dead this week with several celebrations across the county.
“Recordando nuestro angelitos” means “remembering our little angels.”
Photos of deceased pets are displayed on altars at the San Diego County Animal Shelters in Bonita and Carlsbad.
“This is our first year, and it’s been a huge success,” said Vaughn Morris, director of San Diego County Animal Services.
Maurice added that staff came up with the idea during the No-Eltos period to create an ofrenda featuring photos of pets who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge.
“We had a few employees mention this last year and we thought it would be a really fun project, but last year we were a little slow in getting it done, so we put a note on our calendar and got it done.This year. That’s it,” Maurice said.
Every month, people bring in photos of their beloved cats and dogs who have passed away, and the Festival of the Dead keeps their memories alive.
“Losing a pet is always difficult, and it can be a very difficult situation for people to want to replace a pet. But this allows people to honor their past pets while expanding their family.” It gives you an opportunity,” Maurice said.
You can bring in photos of your pet until Saturday. County Animal Services will waive adoption fees at its Bonita and Carlsbad campuses for adoptions made during the open-ended period.
“We currently have close to 300 pets, including dogs, cats, rabbits and a pot-bellied pig or two. Please come and adopt an animal,” Maurice said.
Day of the Dead is traditionally celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, but many people spend this month and weekends commemorating their dead with marigolds and ofrenda flowers in Old Town, Encinitas, and Barrio Logan. I spent a lot of time on that. This tradition is believed to have originated from ancient Aztec roots. .
Although the tradition of memorializing lost pets during bereavement is new at County Animal Services, the tradition of dedicating a pet’s memory to a spirit continues.
“They are part of the family and this is a great way to honor them and move forward in the same way we honor them,” Maurice said.
Other Grim Reaper events this week:
Dia de los Muertos Story Time and Sugar Skull Craft will begin Monday at the San Ysidro Library Branch and will be offered at multiple libraries.
Saturday, November 2, 2024
Glen Abbey Memorial Park and Mortuary
Funeraria del Angel Chula Vista
Friday, November 1, 2024
Saturday, November 2, 2024
