EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — El Paso Animal Services, in collaboration with Friends of El Paso Animal Services, is participating in the inaugural Día de los Muertos Community Ofrendas exhibition at the Mexican American Cultural Center.
It will be held at the MACC located at 201 W. Franklin Ave., on display through November 9.
Titled “Guardian of Second Chances,” the installation is the first community ofrenda in El Paso dedicated to honoring the lives of pets who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge.
The multi-tiered altar celebrates the enduring bond between people and their animal companions, representing the compassion, healing, and love that shelter work brings to thousands of lives each year.
The ofrenda features handcrafted and repurposed materials, including colorful sarapes and multi-colored marigolds made by community volunteers, and UTEP art students.
Nearly every element was created by hand to preserve the authenticity and spirit of traditional Mexican altars.
Suspended above the display, a vibrant Pitbull alebrije with wings named the “Guardian of Second Chances”, watches over the altar, surrounded by smaller alebrijes representing the souls of pets guiding one another home.
Each crate serves as its own mini altar, adorned with photos, collars, toys, bowls, and heartfelt tributes submitted by community members. Together, the altar forms a collective remembrance of pets who shared unconditional love and companionship throughout El Paso and beyond.
“Every handcrafted piece — from the marigold garlands to the flying alebrije — tells a story of devotion,” said Veronica Frescas, Animal Services Development Coordinator. “This altar is a thank you to every animal who loved without condition and to the people who never stopped loving them back.”
Visitors are invited to view the ofrenda during Día de los Muertos celebrations at the MACC and are encouraged to honor their own pets by making a donation in their memory or sponsoring a lifesaving initiative through Friends of El Paso Animal Services at www.FriendsOfEPAS.org/WaysToHelp.
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