Halloween Do’s and Don’ts for Pets

DO ensure that pets always have identification.
DON'T keep pets outdoors during Halloween and the weeks running up to it as people start letting off fireworks earlier than Halloween night.
DO talk to your vet if your pet gets very scared from fireworks as there is a variety of treatments and medications that can help.
DON'T dress animals up in costumes as many pets find this uncomfortable and stressful.
DON'T take pets trick-or-treating.
DON'T let animals near bonfires, candles or other dangerous items.
DO make sure that rabbits and other caged animals are safely secured in a garage or outbuilding.
DO keep pets away from Halloween decorations and tell children not to share any sweets and chocolate with their pets.
DO take a pet suspected of ingesting a harmful item or substance immediately to a vet.
DON'T ignore animals in need. Report animal abuse and neglect immediately.

See also Rainbow Bridge Memorials

Goddess of Death

Ever heard the name Libitina? No? Well I have to be honest before I googled death and mythology, I hadn’t either but she makes for an interesting read, and a belated/very early Halloween costume too.

In Roman mythology, Libitina was the goddess of death, corpses and funerals. Image wise, there was not much to inspire as her face was seldom portrayed. As a reigning personification of death she was manifested as a black robed winged figure who hovered above her ‘prey’.

I’m deeply fascinated by the story and delighted I came upon it. As we have said before it is a slow burner that women get involved in the funeral industry and yet here we are with the lady that started it all.

She often had temples set up in her honour that would house all the necessities for funerals, including gravediggers. It is also worth noting that the great Colosseum apparently housed one gate dedicated to Libitina in honour of all the fallen gladiators who fought and lost their lives within the Colosseums great walls.