Just found out that, in Aztec mythology, the first ‘challenge’ for spirits on their way to the land of the dead (Mictlan) is in the ‘place of dogs’ (Itzcuintlan). At this place, there is a river, and you can only cross it if you have loved a dog in your lifetime, or been kind to dogs. Your dog will even be there to guide you across the river, and will accompany you for the remaining 8 challenges 🥹