See families create beautiful ofrendas to honor beloved pets for Día de los Muertos

Losing a pet is never easy, and pet parents across the world, taking inspiration from the Disney-Pixar film “Coco," are remembering their pets on Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead.

Scores of pet parents across the country are remembering their late furry friends by setting up beautiful ofrendas, Spanish for offerings, to honor their memory and seek peace. Videos shared on social media by those who lost a pet show elaborate ofrendas adorned with candles, marigolds, framed photos of pets and even pet treats.

Eric Rubin, an environmental scientist and animal rescue volunteer, based in Bridgewater, New Jersey, told USA TODAY over email that he had always heard about ofrendas and knew about it from the Disney-Pixar film "Coco," but was "unsure whether it would be ok to make one" as it isn't a part of his culture.

"However, I really missed my dog Max and a year and a half after he passed away (and) still struggled with the loss," Rubin said. "I wanted to find some way to honor him and feel close to him again."

Max's ofrendas included his emotional support toy, ashes

Rubin's ofrenda for Max included a replica stuffed animal, also known as a "cuddle clone," the coat the dog wore during his final day alive and the bed and blanket he was lying on when he died. Rubin said he also included his favorite toy, an "emotional support penguin," that was with him throughout his illness, from surgeries to recoveries.

"I also included his ashes, his paw print, his collar, and food bowl," Rubin shared.

Max died of cancer, and Rubin said he tried everything he could to extend his pet's life, spending around $36,000 for two surgeries and two and a half years of chemotherapy.

'Losing him was soul-crushing'

Rubin said his pet, who lived with him for the majority of his adult life, was his soulmate and was a constant through "so many life challenges."

"Losing him was soul-crushing, and a piece of me left when he did," Rubin said. "He was there by my side no matter what. He loved me and I loved him."

Rubin said taking part in this tradition helped him "feel close to Max again and let him know how loved he is," and gave him more energy to continue his work as an animal rescue volunteer so that he could keep Max's spirit alive.

How did the Day of the Dead for pets originate?

The tradition of placing Day of the Dead offerings for pets began in 2019 when Funeral Pet, a pet funeral service company, proposed this commemoration, USA TODAY previously reported. Subsequently, Oct. 27 was chosen as the official day to set up altars for owners' beloved late pets.

It is believed that on the night of Oct. 27, dogs, cats and other animals return to Earth to visit their homes and enjoy the food and toys left for them in the offerings.

Rubin honors Max every day

For Rubin, honoring his pet on Oct. 27 means "letting him know that I think of him each and every day."

"What I miss most is just how well he knew me," Rubin said. "He was an extension of me, and we were like peas and carrots. Everyone knew 'Eric and Max' almost as if we weren't individual entities."

After Max died, Rubin said he "channeled that sadness into something positive," by raising $3,500 for north New Jersey-based Eleventh Hour Rescue and volunteering and fostering with them.

"I have since dedicated my life to saving dogs in need because Max would want me to do something good and not remain in sadness," Rubin said.

Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Watch families honor late pets with beautiful ofrendas for Day of the Dead

Reporting by Saman Shafiq and Kendall Malinchock, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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