Remember Them: A Día de los Muertos Ofrenda for Our Pets

[Oct. 26 to Nov. 3] at North Country Animal League, Morrisville, Vermont

Every pet who has shared our lives leaves a paw print behind. This fall, we're building a place to honor them.

North Country Animal League invites you to our first community ofrenda for pets. In the Día de los Muertos tradition, an ofrenda is an altar built with love: marigolds, candles, photos, and the small things the ones we miss would have enjoyed. Ours is for the dogs, cats, and other animals who walked beside us, and for the animals who passed through our care.

How you can take part

Dedicate your pet. Share a photo and a few words, and your pet takes a place on our altar and on our online memory wall. Choose the level that feels right.
Visit the altar. It is open to everyone during shelter hours, with a memory book for your own message.
Join us for a community evening on Sunday, Nov. 1. We'll read every name aloud, share a quiet moment by candlelight, and enjoy pan de muerto and cider together.

With respect for the tradition

Día de los Muertos comes from Mexican and Indigenous traditions, and we are honoring it with care. Our altar was shaped with guidance from [advisor names], and we've included a short explanation at the altar for every visitor.

Photos and dedications received by [Oct. 26] will appear on the printed altar. We'll add later dedications to the online memory wall.

Día de los Muertos Ofrenda for our Pets at NCAL

Remember Them: A Día de los Muertos Alter for Our Pets