October 27: The Day Our Dogs Begin Their Journey Home

October 27: The Day Our Dogs Begin Their Journey Home 🕯🐾

There’s something so beautiful about the way Mexico honors love.

Here, death isn’t the end — it’s just a different part of the story.

Every fall, as marigolds bloom and the air fills with that soft, sweet scent of cempasúchil, the country starts to prepare for Día de Muertos. It’s a time when we believe the spirits of those we’ve loved — human and animal — come back to visit us.

And it all begins on October 27.

That’s the day we believe our dogs and pets start their journey home.

They follow trails of marigold petals, guided by candlelight and the love that never went away. The idea is that they’re on their way — making the long walk back from the spirit world to find us again, tails wagging, hearts open, just like before.

How People Celebrate It

Across Mexico, people build little ofrendas (altars) for their pets — sometimes right next to the ones for their family members.

They’ll place a photo, maybe a collar, a toy, or a bowl of water. Some leave their pet’s favorite treat or a blanket they loved to curl up on.

It’s not about sadness. It’s about connection.

It’s about remembering that love is energy — and energy doesn’t disappear. It changes, it transforms, and every October 27, it finds its way home.

Here in Puerto Vallarta

You can feel it here — truly. The air feels softer, the ocean quieter. The sunsets almost glow differently. Maybe it’s just me, but I always sense something peaceful on this night.

I like to imagine all the dogs we’ve loved walking the cobblestone streets again — paws clicking, tails wagging, making their way back to the homes where they were happiest. Maybe they stop at your gate. Maybe they curl up in that same corner they always loved.

And when you think of them… maybe that’s their way of saying, “I’m here.”

For Anyone Who’s Ever Lost a Pet

If you’ve ever had to say goodbye to a pet, tonight is a beautiful night to remember them.

Light a candle. Put out a little bowl of water. Whisper their name.

They’re already on their way — crossing that bridge of marigolds, following the light, coming home to you.

Because in Mexico, we believe love never dies. It just takes a different form — one that still finds its way back, year after year.

So tonight, when the candles flicker and the air feels just a little bit warmer, smile.

They made it.

They found you.

Welcome home, my friends. 🕯🐾❤️

Dedicated to Henry. The sweetest dog ever. Passed away at only 5 years old …

Will Hutt

Coldwell Banker La Costa