Memoriam 2003 |
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Sergeant Pepper began his long "delayed" journey to meet his twin brother in heaven last night. His passing was so gentle and easy at the end that had we not all been so close by his side, we would not have known he had finally left. It was without doubt his time to go and we are so happy that he made his transition with such ease and dignity. Pepper came to us as the dog whose birth was seen as a terrible mistake. He was born deaf and blind, with a serious brain disease and with a twin who was euthanized in his first year as he became vicious. The brothers were the product of misguided, greedy and inappropriate breeding, Pepper suffered huge seizures and was recommended for euthanasia as he was deemed untreatable. He came to BrightHaven to die in peace. That was 10 years ago!! This boy, thanks to the wonders of natural medicine and talented homeopaths grew in strength and capabilities until one would not have even realized him to be both deaf and blind, let alone brain impaired. He too became very vicious and we feared for him, but again he battled through adversity to become our gentle giant. He learned his way around, not only our huge Southern California house, but also its surrounding 3 acres and then made the transition to life in Northern California also with ease. It took him 2 hours to learn his way around our huge current house! This gentle friendly giant stole the hearts of all the BrightHaven friends and volunteers with his sunny smile and love of life itself. "His life a terrible mistake"—I think not!! This brave and strong dog has used his precious life to serve as a lesson for the many people who learned to love him. His perseverance against adversity had a remarkably humbling effect both for humans and especially the animals who lived by his side. There was Oliver, whose special friendship with Pepper was featured on television, as well as disabled Tim the cat, who was often to be seen snuggled against Pepper's warm and cozy side, not to mention the irascible Derek, who is the Brighthaven healer. He did his job well!! There is undoubtedly a multitude of old BrightHaven residents who are now happily greeting their old friend, as he no longer stumbles to meet them. His spirit is finally free . . . and so Sergeant Pepper, fare thee well—we will miss you in the Brighthaven kitchen for a very long time. |
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Babe left Brighthaven on Dec 26th for her final pasture of happiness and light. Richard rescued Babe from a riding stable when he realized he was being taught on a horse that was drugged to mask the pain in her feet and hindquarters. She came to Brighthaven with her head down and wondering what the next chapter of her life would bring, and almost immediately foundered and was once again in horrible pain. Richard stayed with her in the stable for three days leaning against her to give support, and talking to her for comfort. After a year of some wonderful homeopathic work from Madalyn Ward Richard saddled Babe up and rode the trails with Kirstie and Copy, gently at first, but soon her spirit grew once again and she went further and further pulling to go on the trails the other horses would try and avoid. Babe could open doors with her mouth, kiss you for a carrot and tip her bucket upside down if angry, but she had an aura and disposition of love and gratitude and unconditionally forgave the "human race" that had treated her so badly for most of her life. She died with Richard supporting her head this time and has taken many of his, and others tears with her on her journey. The stable is quieter these days and seems unbalanced without her and as we look back and ponder we thank Babe for the lessons she taught us. Once again Emily Dickinson's words are so appropriate: "Because
I could not stop for Death |
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 Phoebe November 8, 2003 |
I have tried to write a poignant obituary for my beloved Phoebe for over a week now, but the right words just fail me. I shall simply write her story instead. Phoebe came to BrightHaven at the tender age of sixteen years. She came straight from the emergency clinic where she was to be euthanized. Her owner had died and Phoebe had been forgotten by the family for two weeks, when she was found in the garden and taken home. Happy ending? No: sadly the family did not understand Phoebe's grief and she was then terrorized by their children until she became deathly vicious and completely unapproachable. She determined then to die and refused to eat. Her new owners gave up at that point and took her in to be killed. Luckily there was Chelli on duty that night—a BrightHaven volunteer vet-tech, who scooped Phoebe up and brought her "home" to me. Phoebe was the most vicious and angry animal I have yet to meet. She was determined to die and I had to force feed her daily, wearing huge thick gloves for my protection until the day came when she succumbed to my loving care and we fell irrevocably in love. Under the loving care of Dr Larry Bruk, Phoebe flourished and after suffering a few agonizing skirmishes with her advancing disease she was both strong and vibrant until the very end. We enjoyed four glorious years together. She slept in my arms at night with her head under my chin and every now and again she would gently stroke my face. She will reside deep in my heart forever. "Death
leaves a |
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It seems that many of the Brighthaven old-timers have recently chosen to leave this life and, at 12:20 a.m. this morning our dear old man Duncan very gently began his journey across that rainbow bridge to meet his old friends once more. It was his time we know. We have treasured every moment that we were able to spend with this timeless old spirit, who came to BrightHaven to die two short years ago. Against all odds he gathered strength, appetite and vitality and took a huge delight in this new life of his. Everyone who met Duncan was charmed and humbled by his sweetness and the days ahead will be a celebration of this special man's life. |
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Last night the moon and stars shone brightly for Sophia as she sped away on wings of light. This girl from the wild, so limited by her blindness and failing health had gradually learned to trust and be comforted by us, but it was her time. She left us with the same quiet dignity and grace that we had come to know as hers alone. Good bye darling Sophia—it has been our honor and a privilege to know you. |
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At 4:30 p.m. this afternoon we said a sad, tearful and final farewell to our darling Poppy—the always laughing dog. We are in shock still I know. Her demise was not expected so soon. She was not feeling well on Friday and now she is gone. Yes, she had major health problems and cancer, but she overcame all and laughed at life. Yes, she was very old, but we saw her bright spirit. Yes, she was wobbly on her legs, but she ignored her arthritis too. Yes, she had fought her way back this year from a life threatening illness. We must have thought her invincible. If we could all persevere against adversity with such a sweet sunny nature and spirit, the world would be a different place. "Hope
is the thing with feathers/ This quote from Emily Dickinson was clearly Poppy's motto Fare thee well Poppy—We will keep the candles burning to light your way across that rainbow bridge. |
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Ten years ago this very week Spottie and her sister Ebony came to live with us after their much-loved owner was forced to go into a special care facility. These girls stuck together like glue both day and night until Ebony sadly left us three years ago after a hard fought battle with cancer. Since her arrival in Northern California Spottie-aka Rosie (O'Donnell!) made her home the BrightHaven kitchen-rarely, if ever leaving her chosen place. Last Tuesday our darling girl clearly was not feeling well, and today shortly after 9am she died, cuddled in my arms and with Susanna holding her paws tightly and stroking her gently. The last days of her life, 23 years old Spottie was magnificent! Her fur gleamed and shined, as did her eyes and it seems that she approached the end of her life in great style. We supported her with oxygen the last days and nights and this morning she pushed the tube away several times and clearly told me that she was ready to go. Shortly after 9am Susanna and I honored her wish and just a couple of short minutes later she was gone-in purrfect peace. Yesterday
Margaret brought her a sweet vase of rose buds and lavender and
today these lovely flowers decorate her bed, along with her teddies
and toys. The lamp that was always lit there by Spottie's request,
highlights the beautiful scene. It warmed her days and is now lit
in her memory.
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I am so very sad to write that our new arrival "James" has left us today after just only one month at BrightHaven. James was clearly destined to be "passing through" BrightHaven on his path through the circle of life and death and maybe he chose to come and share his transition with us for a reason we have yet to fully understand. All I know is that this was one special man, who, although very very sick from the start, had an energy and determination that is unrivaled by most. James possessed a pure strength of spirit, which claimed the heart of Suzy from day 1 and she may well have been his reason for visiting us. Whatever the reason, he leaves us all better people for having known him. In four short weeks James created some special BrightHaven memories and tonight we are lighting his path for his journey beyond. |
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After five short years at BrightHaven Rose has crossed the Rainbow Bridge to join her sisters Meri and Millie and her brother Nigel. A Rose by name and even a little prickly by nature with her own kind, this sweet and reclusive flower lived happily in the BrightHaven family room where she could be close to the kitchen and in the swing of things. Now well into her twenties it had become apparent that Rose's time was nearing and a few weeks ago she moved into our guest bedroom in the company of her long-term friend Maddie. Her health was deteriorating rapidly and although weakening daily Rose accepted each and every day as a blessing. When the time came for her journey, she left our world with such peace and the dignity she so richly deserved. |
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At
7:30 a.m. this morning Richard bade farewell to his "other wife"
as he was forced to leave for work.
At 830am the sun shone brightly to welcome Yana's spirit as it soared toward the bright yonder light. For some time now Yana has been known affectionately as Richard's "other" wife, as she had chosen to live permanently in the spare bedroom reserved for Richard during weekday nights to recoup energy for his difficult work week. Yana would rush to meet him upon his return from work and delight in sleeping in his arms. She would lie contentedly beside his computer as he worked sometimes in his tiny bedroom office, happy in her knowledge of the love and peace she had found. It is particularly poignant that Yana departed on the very day beginning our 39th year of marriage. Yana had been a part of our lives for so very long that it is difficult to accept that we will not see her sweet smile again, other than in our dreams and our hearts, where she will remain for ever. |
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At 9 o'clock last night a new star shone brighter than all the rest as our Isabelle reluctantly left her much loved BrightHaven family. This feisty lady brought much anger, misery and also cancer from her past when she became a member of the BrightHaven family several years ago. After a very hard start in life IssyB, as she later became affectionately known, was determined to trust and like no one again. For over two years her cancer remained in remission until at last it again surfaced and it became apparent that the feisty Isabelle was not in balance. This time the cancer was growing fast and racing through her face and mouth. It seemed that nothing could stop it and that soon she would die. Her homeopath Chris sprang into action and with Issy's strong resolve to stay in this new life, it seemed that a small miracle occurred and the disease slowed its vicious path. Yet another miracle occurred at that same time, and one that warmed the hearts of all who knew this special lady: As the BrightHaven magic wove its spell through her heart, Isabelle finally realized and understood that she had found true love with her new family. For many months this happy spirit reigned supreme in the BrightHaven clinic, chatting happily to all who came to visit. By now though the dis-ease had taken its toll on her elderly body and her time was here. Isabelle left our world her eyes shining with the love she has taken with her. Not only did IssyB learn a very great lesson in this lifetime, but also she taught everyone who crossed her path life lessons on perseverance, acceptance, joy, trust and, above all, balance. "Until we meet again"—IssyB |
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Mac, our much beloved old gentleman with the huge rumbling purr of a motorbike, passed away finally around 530pm.today. Arroyo Veterinary Hospital had rescued Mac and sent him to us to live out his remaining time—expected to be very short. From the moment he arrived here two years ago Mac stole the hearts of all who knew him and determined that he and not his kidneys or his cancer would determine the length of his life! Mac finally made his decision to leave a few days ago and his journey was incredibly peaceful and achieved with the consummate dignity with which he lived his every moment. Susanna, Richard and I were with him all through his last afternoon and as he took his leave of this world. Who could not love this gentle and most dignified soul? I know that Mac gave something special of himself to each and everyone he met and we all have candles burning in our hearts to light his way. Farewell old friend. |
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