I will let the pictures tell the story of Cammie’s last days and describe the sweet tranquility of her death.

She came to live with us some years ago in Southern California where she lost no time in stealing my heart with her often aloof, regal and feisty ways.

Since our move to Santa Rosa in April Cameo had slept on my pillow both by day and night. As her cancer progressed, so did her sweetness and capacity for loving. Cameo had been a loner before – one tough Oriental lady who did not suffer fools lightly!

Without realizing it I had come to rely on this little girl’s presence as we often spent long nights of vigil together during someone else’s passing…

Today I am bereft and lonely - The last two nights in bed without her paw holding mine have been ones I have no desire to repeat.

It was her time – that much I know without question although the knowledge eases not the pain of farewell.

I cannot wait for the time that shall soon surely come as sweet memories of Cameo return to replace the pain of heartache and sorrow.

Goodbye sweet Cammie – Goodbye.

Boots came to live with us after the death of his beloved human – and became affectionately known as the BrightHaven “rich kid”… The family spared no expense and would not rest as they searched America for the best place they could find for Boots to live out the rest of his days – and thank goodness they did!

Although Boots had failing eyesight he really did not qualify to come and live with us, but his guardians were determined and made us an offer we could not refuse…and so Boots moved in to become our greeter.

Everyone adored this oriental gent who would sit patiently by the front door and, as each new visitor came through the door he would stretch out to place his paws around their necks in greeting.

His ‘up close and personal’ style let you know he meant it; he wanted to know you and wanted you to know, love and accept him as he was. He was a strong, brave trooper of a soul.

Again we are filled with humble gratitude for the lessons we are taught by these sweet souls.

Boots was happy and full of life until his very last day of his 11th year. We had no knowledge of his illness – We wonder – Did he? – He did not tell us.

We will try to go forth and greet each and every day with joy and do as Boots did – for tomorrow may be our last.

“A long life is not good enough but a good life is long enough.”
—anonymous

This gorgeous creature was rescued from a turkey farm where she was destined to become sausage. In the beginning Edwina was extremely shy, but soon got over this and became outgoing and friendly- if a little pushy!!

Edwina was a woman who adored jewellery – Her favorite thing was to discover a ring or bracelet on an unsuspecting visitors finger or wrist when she would desperately try to take it for her own. I always fondly imagined her as a Barbara Cartland in feathers!

If only she could have flown away with it – she dreamed…!

Sadly she soon developed knee problems brought on by her obesity due breeding and had great trouble walking towards the end. She could only turn in circles to the right and so we had constantly to move her food and water with her as she changed places. Despite her hardships Edwina remained bright and bossy – such a shame we could not have fashioned her a wheelchair we thought. She would have been invincible.

After the sudden death of her best friend Jemima, Edwina was left as the only turkey girl, although she greatly enjoyed the company of her friend “Poodle” the silky chicken.

Edwina gave us no warning on Monday that this was to be her last day. And with shock Fray found her dead in her bed.

As we mourn this brave and courageous girl the words of Richard Bach come again to our minds:

“Fly free and happy and across forever, and we’ll meet now and then when we wish, in the midst of the one celebration that can never end”
—Richard Bach

To us he was always - “Del-boy” – an affectionate and well-known English “Jack-the-lad” sit-com character. Admired and respected by the boys for his looks, his boyish charm and wit, his continual good humour, his bravado and camaraderie. He was one of the boys. Adored by the girls for his good looks, his jaunty attitude, his undeniable charisma and for the love, light and promise in his glowing green eyes. He was my light and my love. It seems only a short while ago that I was delighted when he stretched to full height as he reached up to wind his paws lovingly around my waist. I realize now he was bidding me a loving fare-thee-well.

Since his miraculous recovery from a horrific accident ten short years ago that earned him the title of “bionic boy” Derek had devoted his life to healing and the care of the sick or dying. His great light and power would emanate as he laid his paws tenderly on a sick animal as he strove to heal or help them pass. This is one special spirit, shown here stretched alongside Sgt Pepper who had a brain disease and suffered seizures.

Derek was only twelve years of age. His loving Mother Stefanie, and sister SuziQ, as well as brother Frank, who lives in Southern California with Justin and Rebecca, our Son and daughter, survive him.

“A long life is not good enough but a good life is long enough.”
—anonymous

Gosh, we thought this girl would live forever. Charlotte was one of our first BrightHaven chickens and from her we learned to love chickens for their funny, silly ways, and friendly loving natures.

Charlotte, initially a suspicious and solitary girl, came in turn to love us too –-for our funny, silly human ways and our friendly, loving natures. During her last few days we were warmed by her love and she ours. We will miss her so.

Charlotte's friends Poodle and Edwina were with her as she died and today our chicken coup is quiet. This trio have been together through thick and thin for years andEdwina and Poodle will doubtless be reliving the good times tonightas they wander down memory lane.

"Hope" is the thing with feathers….that perches in the soul….and sings the tune without words….and never stops --at all. 
— Emily Dickinson.

Jack-man, my affectionate name for him, devoured a hearty breakfast this morning—fell happily asleep—and never woke up.

We are all in a state of shock. It was not his turn….He could not go……and yet……He had not slept with me for a couple of weeks….I guess I knew deep inside.

His best friend Grace left us recently and maybe she called him to meet her. We do not know – but what we do know is that Jack died so peacefully in his sleep that there was almost a smile upon his face and we are happy for that.

Jack, a weather-beaten and starving old tramp, had arrived unceremoniously at our back door, demanding entrance only 10 short years ago. He changed our lives forever with his happy-go-lucky approach to life.

He asked nothing, had fun and lived life to the full. Everyone agreed that this man, if in human form would be “Jack the lad” –propping up the bar with a pint of beer in his hand, spinning yarns for all to listen.

And so it was, for years Jack has been the Brighthaven greeter. But now it is time to bid him fond farewell and know that he will soon be greeting other folk who, like us will be charmed by his sunny smile and warm welcome.

When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced.

Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice
- old Indian Proverb

The once wild Daisy came to Brighthaven with her sister Sassie. Almost ten years ago after the death of her beloved owner. Daisy was never well, bringing with her a long history of chronic illness as well as her fear-filled heritage.

Over the years Daisy retained many of her shy ways although somehow managing to capture the hearts of all who knew her –for her charming and sweet personality. Three years ago Daisy met Susanna who, as we all well know has a huge piece of her heart devoted to the shy and wild ones.

A bond was forged and Daisy blossomed under the spell of love. Remaining shy she lived mostly in the “under-bed-city” under my bed but in her last few months on earth Daisy became bolder and decided to make better acquaintance of her BrightHaven family.

The once fearful girl became a regular sight around and about the house as she forged new – and renewed old friendships before making her decision to head towards the light.

Daisy was a long time in making her choice –unwilling it seemed to leave her new happiness and love. During her journey she invited our love and care – something that is often refused by the dying feline—and we felt honoured and terribly privileged to be welcomed by her into these most exquisite moments.

This girl's perseverance and determination made its mark upon all our hearts and she will be long remembered for her dignity, peace and joy.

“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened”
— Anatole France

Grace by name and Grace by nature.

I am often asked, “What is the Spirit of BrightHaven” and I answer…

The Spirit of BrightHaven
Is found in the deep love shared by
all in those many special moments.
It is in the joy, tranquillity and peace
that abound within and
it is in our balance for healing.
It is seen in the harmony and contentment of our relationships secure in the knowledge of a safe and peaceful haven forever as the circle of all life is honoured.

Still vibrant at 28 years of age, our darling Grace embodied the phrase “Spirit of BrightHaven” and we are proud and honoured to have shared in the circle of her life.

Grace (Kelly of course!) has been our centre-stage leading lady at BrightHaven for so many years now that we have long forgotten since when she became part of our lives.

Grace was adored by all beings and in her final hours we all gathered in candlelight to share in rich memories as she took her final curtain call.

If the eyes had no tears, then the soul would have no rainbow

As the sun began to rise in the sky this morning a sweet BrightHaven angel sped away on wings of light.

Who could not but love her - Jessica – our little Princess – as everyone was moved to call her. She inspired us with her gentle sweetness and we will always recall her tiny paws and dainty ways – her little button nose and welcoming gaze.

Sam, who tended Jessica lovingly each day lost his heart early on as this tiny being crept quietly inside; there to reside forever. Jessica touched our lives for six precious, but short months and now we will celebrate the circle of her life and beyond as we plant her beautiful rose alongside those dedicated to her friends. Though gone from our lives, the memory of this sweet soul will last our lifetime.

"The soul should always stand ajar, ready to welcome the ecstatic experience."
—Emily Dickinson

Prince and Princess shared a special bond. Not only were they united in birth as Mother and Son, but we came to learn that they shared, not only one name, but one life and soul too.

This very special pair came to BrightHaven to begin their farewell to this world. When first we met they were nearing the end of their time here on earth.

So - imagine our delight when, against all odds both flowered under our love and care and fell in love with life again. We soon saw the special unity between them flower, as first one would become unwell, leaving the other to blossom and then in turn would fade to allow the other their time in joy.

Their journey to the stars began this weekend as first Princess decided her time was nigh and as Mother, her decision was to be first to begin her journey beyond.

This bright star wound down quickly and gently with grace and dignity and bade us a fond farewell as she was cradled lovingly in Richard's arms.

We wondered if Prince would retain his strength and once again shine with the spirit of his Princess, but no – his decision was quickly made and within a few short hours he laid himself down to anticipate the joy of reunion in eternal bliss.

Once again Richard was given the honor to be their special human.

One love –one life - one soul

Well - it's over. Marley died in my arms in bed this morning at 7am - full circle to where he started life with me as a kitten, rescued by our son in the middle of the night. Justin arrived home and placed “Gnarly Marley”, as he nicknamed him for the legendary Bob Marley, on my chest in bed. At that time he was sick with flea anaemia and struggling to stay alive . . . so this was full circle indeed.

Marley grew into a large, commanding, strong and handsome grey and silver tom admired by all as he became more stunning as the years flew by.He was a leader among cats, feared, revered and above all loved dearly by all who knew him.

He became ill a few short months ago with a cancer that invaded his spine and which grew terribly quickly. He very soon could not walk and spent his days with his cat friends Jessica and Arthur in the food prep room and his nights in my bed wrapped in my arms. We tried to spend time together daily in the garden where he could savour the sights and sounds of nature . Marley showed no pain, only fear of losing me.

Last night this became even more pronounced as it became obvious that time was short. He spent the early evening on the couch in the living room being visited by his human and animal family alike – a time for fare thee wells. We spent the remainder of the night cuddling -his paws often around my neck and his eyes only leaving my face as he occasionally closed them to rest for a few minutes. Just before 7am he became a little restless and it was time for his battle to be over – quickly and with peace and no suffering.

Marley is the first "young", vital and strong boy we have lost here at BrightHaven and it is so very hard. It is never easy, but we are well used to losing the old and infirm after long chronic illness, but this disease hit Marley so suddenly and savagely - and us along with it. I can only say a great big thank you to his vet Dr Jeff Feinman for being "there" for him - and me so very often and for helping him move so gracefully along his path. I hope Regina Heynemann our healer was correct and that one-day soon a beautiful but maybe ill, injured or disabled Siamese kitten will cross my path and then I shall meet our Marley again.

We will plant a beautiful rose in our garden in his memory.

Shortly after 8 a.m. this morning the sweetest soul left Brighthaven to rejoin old friends.

Claudette came to us almost a year ago after a troubled little life, plagued by thoughtless humans and animals uncaring of her blindness and fragility.

She impressed her gentle spirit upon us at her very arrival as she graced each and every one with wet kisses on the nose. Claudette, or "Detty" or "Detkin" or "Sweet Claude" or any of the other fond nicknames we all used for her gave and asked for nothing but love—and oh yes!—perhaps also lots of food to go with it!

This girl enjoyed her life, did not view her blindness or diminishing health a problem. Claudette even found herself a close and dear friend in brain-damaged Furbee, upon whom she bestowed her love and companionship. They were often to be found sitting close or sleeping cuddled together as she lent him her strength and courage and we know the days ahead will not only be lonely for us without this gentle girl, but that Furbee too will find his days and life are missing her sweet sparkle.

One thing we can say for sure is that Claudette enriched the lives of everyone who was fortunate to cross her path and we are proud that the first new rose to be planted in our new home will be in her honour and memory.

I am sad to announce that this dear boy died in the early hours of this morning cuddled in my arms in bed. He did not have too hard a time and I guess it was "his time". He just wound down slowly and progressively until it was time to leave.

As Toastie rested during his last few days he received a number of loving visits from old friends at Starr Ranch, a shelter where he had been previously living and clearly much loved. In fact he was so loved that they gave him up to us to try to give him more comfort and care for his last days. We only had several weeks to know and love this old codger but he sure stole our hearts with his sweet ways.

We were lucky to have the offer of help for him from Dr Dawn Waltonbaugh, our friend and professional homeopath, who helped us try to give him more time and ultimately ensured his gentle passing.

Toastie was beyond dignified - a real trouper! I had him beside me in bed all the time and so it is at least comforting for us all to know that he did not have to die in loneliness.

We will miss him so.