Once in a while there comes an experience so sweet, touching and poignant that it touches our hearts forever. First I would like to tell you that our dear Cassie passed away very peacefully a little after 2am this morning - in my arms and in my bed. I don't believe that Cassie would wish our sadness for her passing. We know it was her time. Cassie was a sweet and gentle being and perhaps had been born as a sweet old lady - I just cannot conceive her being anything else.

Before I tell you Cassie's story I must first introduce you to Beauregard, now in his middle twenties and still a strong and very handsome; debonair chap; in fact Beau has been our supreme leader here at BrightHaven for some long time now: Tough, strong and someone to be respected and revered by all the other animals - humans too!!

And so my story begins back in early August this year, when Cassie's heart announced it was too tired to carry on and she was clearly dying. She rested much and refused to eat anything but egg yolk and remained her sweet happy self as she slowly declined, supported as always by homeopathy. At that time Cassie made the move from our breakfast room into my bedroom and made her throne upon my bed for her final days - something not at all unusual. What was unusual was that Beauregard, from that time on became glued to her by both day and night. He sat, laid or slept beside her constantly and even wrapped his arms around her body often. He ate beside her and only left the bed for quick litter box trips. The two together became a familiar sight to everyone and we wondered who was teaching who - and what - in their relationship......!!

Finally this morning, after her long and incredibly sweet journey, Beauregard said fare-thee-well to his Cassie as she peacefully sought the light beyond. He gently placed one paw upon her body, paused for just a second as he looked into my eyes - and returned to his place on the bed to groom…….

Today there are candles lit for her journey and Beauregard remains in vigil on the bed in his chosen place, only now she is gone and we are left to wonder at their incredible relationship. Note: Cassie spent several years at a shelter before coming here to spend her final days. Perhaps Beau was her love and her destiny – or maybe she came to help and teach him his own final lessons in this lifetime…We are left to wonder.

" Nobody else knows your reason for being. You do. Your bliss guides you to it. When you follow your bliss, when you follow your path to joy, your conversation is of joy, your feelings are of joy -- you're right on the path of that which you intended when you came forth into this physical body"

Abraham-Hicks publications

I have always "known" somewhere deep inside me that on the day that my precious Timmy died, that I might also. Well, today I am still here, but he is not.

It seems only yesterday that Tim came to me as a tiny kitten with a broken back, just over six years ago. He had no real idea that anything was wrong with him and that is how his life continued. He was simply different. Within a short time our huge grey feral cat Luke adopted him and helped him learn many things - like how to climb steps and furniture and how to get into mischief - as he tenderly lifted the tiny Tim in his mouth.

Tim's six years were filled with fun, adventure and a zest for life. They were also filled with the ongoing illnesses associated with his paraplegia. A few months ago Tim became deathly ill, but against all odds he again fought back, and until a few days ago I thought him well again. He must have been helping me to prepare and now I know somewhere deep inside me that it really was his time to leave us.

As he lay dying in my arms Richard whispered to him that it was “OK” to go, and told him that Luke was waiting once more to be his friend and guide him on his way. Susanna arrived and then Tim left quickly, surrounded in our love, and circled by too many cats to name.

Tim occupied a huge part of all our daily lives, which will be sadly altered, and very strange without him. Everyone who met this sweet soul fell in love with him and I know that many will join with us today as we pray, light candles and shed our tears in memory of our boy: Tim.

" As my heart holds you just one beat away, I cherish all you gave me every day.
For you are mine forever love, watching me from up above, and I believe that angels breathe and that love lives on and never leaves.
Fly me up to where you are beyond the distant star.
I wish upon tonight to see you smile if only for awhile to know you're there.
A breath away's not far to where you are.
I know you're there.
A breath away's not far to where you are."

Sheila Ganey

Bunny, or “Bun-Bun", which was Susanna's pet name for her, became our love and our inspiration in the nine short months she graced our lives.

Bun-Bun arrived here back in December of last year after being left for euthanasia by her owner at the Martinez Shelter. He said she was becoming incontinent and besides - they just had not expected her to live sooo very long!! Well, Bunny settled in very quickly with us and amazed and delighted us with her bursts of leaping and bouncing energy. It also worried us greatly, since we had also discovered her very serious heart condition as well as chronic renal disease.

This cute girl was not about to allow health problems to stop her great enjoyment of the rest of her life, and bounced eagerly through each and every day. To see her tripping gaily along after one of us with her long poodle ears jumping and flapping as she went, always gave us a feeling of pure joy!!

Susanna and Richard were undoubtedly Bun’s favorite humans, and Bunny would love to spend time lovingly biting Susanna's nose in fun or skipping gaily along at Richard's heels. She spent her nights safely in the sanctuary of Richard’s den where she felt loved and secure. Bunny may not have had very long with us all, but she surely enriched our lives and taught us to take enjoyment from each and every day as it comes along!

" In one of these stars I shall be living ~
in one of them I shall be laughing
And so it will be ~ As if all the stars were laughing
When you look at the sky at night.
And there is sweetness ~ in the laughter of all the stars
And in the memories of those you love"

The Little Prince Antoine de Saint Exupe’ry

The words "Life is just a bowl of cherries" have always sprung to my mind when thinking of Sebastian: They have always summed up his attitude to life. Sebastian's glass of life was never half empty or half full - it brimmed over with good luck and cheer. Would that we could all view our lives as he!!

Sebastian arrived back in 1998 from The Pasadena Humane Society, where he was taken for euthanasia after the death of his beloved elderly guardian. Then sixteen, Sebastian settled in quickly and soon became well known and loved by all. He moved house happily with us twice and took all in his good natured stride with never a complaint. In fact, until his strange illness a year ago, Sebastian never missed a day of happiness or a meal in his life!

Most will remember his huge, stenorous purr, as he lay flat on his back anywhere in the house to rest: A purr that only grew louder as he luxuriated in the bliss of a combing of his rich and thick coat. Much loved for a decade by animals and humans alike for his sheer joy and well balanced attitude it is now hard to believe him here no longer with us: I see him still lying contentedly in his usual places.

"Bastie" had been winding down to say farewell for some weeks, but, as I held him in my arms today, he looked no different from the very cute sixteen year old, whom I also held that first day back in 1998. - A rich 24 years indeed.

" Life is a precious gift. Don't waste it being unhappy, dissatisfied, or anything less than you can be
Too often are we so preoccupied with the destination, we forget the journey
."

Unknown

Sugar came to live at BrightHaven back in 1993 with her brother Jazz; He the smart and tough boy and she the shy one and a loner. Now grown, they had been discarded by their family as boring and a bother!

Sugar remained shy, somewhat irritable and much preferring her own company. Feline friends were never made and we despaired of her happiness – until….. In 1996 this cute girl fell irrevocably in love with my Mother, Enid, quickly packed her bags, and moved to live next door!

The next ten years proved to be a time of great joy for them both and it was only in recent months that Sugar began her slow decline in health. It was finally Sugar’s time to say goodbye after a long and happy life filled with all the love she ever wished was hers.

Her time finally came yesterday and she died very peacefully in Mummy's arms at 9pm, with me close beside. Enid elected to allow her dear girl to die peacefully at home in her own time and way, which was such a very brave and loving thing to do.

" In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out.
It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being.
We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit."

Albert Schweitzer

Our little Emily left us in the middle of last night. She had arrived at BrightHaven almost exactly three years ago, traumatized after the death of her owner, deathly ill with liver failure and unable to eat!

Emily was a miracle story, even though she never turned into a lap cat. She taught us never to give up and put our trust in the work that we do and the healing powers of homeopathy and energy work. It was a long and painful journey for all of us, most of all herself, to get her back to health – mentally and physically, but against all odds she pulled through. I am just happy that she had the opportunity to live out her life in comfort and love, on her own terms, instead of being given up on and euthanized in a shelter environment.

Emily was one of Susanna’s all time favourites; she struck that certain cord and will be remembered forever. She knew we all loved her – but Susanna especially – after all she did tell her so “ad nauseum”!!!

Yesterday, on her last day on this earth, she followed all of us around all day long, sharing a volunteer’s bagel, seeking our company and looking into our faces with her incredibly beautiful big green eyes, still full of her feisty energy. I knew then that she would soon be gone, but it was lovely to see her seek us out for a change and to touch and stroke her was our treasured honour.

Emily had developed an awful skin cancer a few months previously, but was happy and eating right up until the end. She knew how to make the best of her life (and how to weasel treats of whipped cream out of her humans!).

"When you find peace within yourself
you become the kind of person
who can live at peace with others."

Peace Pilgrim

Tigger was a solitary gentleman, not given to effusive shows of affection, but he surely stole my heart, and oh! ~ how I loved this gentle man, who reminded me so much of my Grandfather, with his refinement and reserve and specially sweet, but such dignified and noble presence.

Arriving in August 2003, it was not really until he was very clearly dying in April of 2004 that I really got to know this sweet man at all.

I was ill in bed with a flu virus and was able to have Tigger with me as he slowly approached his transition; emaciated wobbly and unable to eat.

He was terribly reserved and shy, and every time he sought my affection or assistance, I felt so truly honoured. Of course we fell in love and, as so very often happens here at BH., Tigger made the decision to stay on this earth a while longer, instead of dying!

During his last months Tigger basked in the love of BrightHaven; the humans as well as his special animal friends who helped us care for him.

There was Oscar shown here grooming his sweet friend and you can see him again below, lazing in the sun on the front porch with Oscar again, and Spike.

Once again the magic of BH surrounded a much loved one as we all pulled together in love to say a fond farewell and ~ until we meet again.

"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

Norman came to BrightHaven as Nellie, and grew in strength and splendour until we realized that “she” was indeed a “he” ~ who became our magnificent rooster ~ Norman!! Rescued from a meat packing plant, Norman was found alive amongst so many who were not, and brought to BrightHaven to try to find a little happiness.

Filled with “drugs” Norman grew fast – really far too fast for those short and not too sturdy legs ~ but happily accepted his lot in life and enjoyed the company of his speedier friends ~ especially dear Poodle whose own husband had died some years ago. Their friendship grew and towards the end Poodle snuggled close to her friend. She kept a loving vigil until finally this young life came to its end – too soon for us all by far, but we know that this dear boy at least enjoyed his time in the sunshine and green grass – a long and far cry from his sad start in life.

I like to think that Norman has left us to make a fresh start in a new and happy life.

"The greatness of a nation
and its moral progress
can be judged by the way
its animals are treated."

Ghandi

Life at BrightHaven changed for us all the day that Emily arrived. Her wistful little face and confident and friendly manner engaged our hearts immediately. This girl soon became known as Emily 2, as we already had an Emily in residence; but for the last year or so, of her life, she acquired yet another name – that of “Favourite”!!!

“Favourite” was always front and centre. She loved people it seems and always made a steady approach to any available lap where, she happily lay, face down and relaxed in utter bliss until forced to move. Emily would lie down with people, or cats, dogs too, and visitors here soon became used to the sight of our Emm, cuddled close with other animals, especially those unwell or approaching the end of their lives.

At dinner time she livened up, it was always Emily who managed to sneak on top of the feeding cart and remain steadfastly unmoveable until she was fed first – Amazing to see how the other cats gave way to this seemingly fragile and skinny beauty, who could not help but be loved by all.

It seems strange that she is not here to continue her journey but, well into her twenties I guess it was truly time for her to leave us to join sister “Maisie” who departed last year. It is hard to see all her friends without her in their midst – a catalyst for love. Tigger was her special partner for the last weeks of her life and now this boy sleeps alone, waiting for the night-time, when he comes to my bed as they both had done so many times before.

The night that was to prove her last on this earth Emily slept with Ollie – cat and disabled and sick dog; cuddled together in his bed – until 1am, when I found her lying on the floor, finally alone and with a clear mission in mind. I carried her gently to my bed, where she lay relaxed and calm upon my chest until the 530 hour came. It was then that I told her I must now arise to start my day. It was time at last. Richard took her gently into his arms whereupon she gave a gentle sigh and “left” us.

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dream."

Eleanor Roosevelt

To know Katie’s very sweetness ~ just seek it in her face!

This girl came to us, a loner ~ a reclusive “hiding under the bed” girl ~ and so she quickly found herself a dark and lonely cupboard in which to continue her style.

Very soon though Katie discovered a little magic in this Bright Haven of ours and one day she bravely made the grand move from her cupboard in a hallway all the way to our tiny clinic, where she happily found her new home.

A cosy bed on the countertop was well selected, one which gave her easy access to a towel, well chosen as her bathroom! (We humans have long since learned to live with these sweet feline quirks!!. And so dear Katie blossomed in the love she gave and was given.

The only thing strong about this dear girl was her very loud and raucous voice, which became a familiar and comfortable sound ringing in our ears each mealtime as she stood firmly yelling for her food! Katie responded well to homeopathy but slowly her heart began to fail and finally she chose Richard’s peaceful and quiet bedroom den for peace and retreat.

There she happily stayed, basking in Richard’s love and arms at night, until she knew her time was running short ~ and then, like so many before her, Katie sallied forth to meet and chat and spend time with many other cats ~ humans too! It is our firm belief that lessons taught and lessons learned are much discussed at these precious times.

Her last night will remain my own precious memory as she lay in my arms until, at 530am I told her I must arise to greet the day ahead; whereupon she lifted her sweet head ~ looked lingeringly into my eyes ~ and left, on wings of light.

"Courage is not the towering oak that sees storms come and go;
It is the fragile blossom that opens in the snow."

Alice Mackenzie Swaim

If you are at all familiar with Margaret Mitchell’s famous novel “Gone with the Wind”, you will recognize the name and adorable character of Melanie Wilkes.

The girls fast grew plump and happy here under the supervision of our matriarch “Poodle” the diminutive white silky chicken – that is until yesterday, when Melanie lost her life to an inoperable hernia.

This morning, when I opened the chicken coup door I saw Scarlett sitting alone on the floor and not in her normal roosting position up high. Norman and Poodle were on the other side. They all stared intently at me; standing very still and silent….waiting for me to speak. I explained that Melanie was gone and told them how very sad and sorry I was. First Norman wobbled over to Scarlett and sat beside her – making chicken noises. Then, to my surprise Poodle too joined Scarlett at her other side and still they all stood still and looked at me ~ heads cocking slightly with their questions. And so we talked a while longer and I cried to see the sadness in their faces. Who, I wonder said that chickens do not grieve and carry deep love in their hearts?

This quote seems an appropriate one for Melanie, and could well have been penned by her chicken friends:-

"It’s time to fly; it’s time to touch the sky
One voice, one star burning bright will carry me through timeless light
‘Cause you’re not waiting far from me
You’re not waiting far from me."

Sheila Ganey

Linda and her family were wild cats and Richard and I will never forget the day she brought her kittens into our house for safety some thirteen years ago. She gave us her trust, her family and her life that day and crept straight into our hearts.

The famous rat-pack gang of Marley, George, Beauregard and Derek quickly enlisted this tiny, but tough, strong and fearless girl as a member of their gang and she fast became their silent leader thus becoming the BH matriarch.

Other than son Garth, who lives with Kirstie and Roger, all of Linda's family of brothers and children died before her. I tend to believe she lost her will to live after the deaths last year of beloved brother and husband; Ringo and Annie, their daughter.

La Linda gradually made her departure plans over some months and spent her last days peacefully enjoying the warm garden sunshine, perhaps reconnecting to the land which was her heritage. Susanna and I considered it a huge privilege as, during her last days she would invite us to join her in the sunshine, where she would lie on our chests purring happily - no doubt reliving her happy life and times.

Linda was wise and projected a feeling of safety and knowledge of how to be at peace as a living creature. She possessed a magical and almost ethereal energy that could make you imagine, if only for a moment, that the world really can be perfect, solid and warm. "La Linda" died very peacefully in my arms at 2am this morning, and the shock of her final departure brings forth such poignant memories and sadness so deep.

These are the beautiful words that I used in Ringo’s memory:

"If tears could build a stairway
and memories a lane,
I'd walk right up to heaven
and bring you home again"

Unknown

I pondered long and hard on what to write about this amazing character, who has been responsible for making me, in part, who I am today. His life was the most amazing journey of all time.

After a four year battle against an aggressive cancer in his face Frazier finally died at the grand age of 34 years. Did the cancer take him from us? – I think not. Perhaps it was simply his time..?

Frazier taught us by his energetic and sunny attitude to each and every day of his precious time here on earth that one must learn to think deeper and look beyond the outer surface and see deep into the happy place beneath where contentment and peace dwell.

Frazier told us that life is always beautiful, full of happiness and that he still had much to do. He refused to make plans to move on to his next life, where twin Sidney and many other long gone friends awaited him, even trying valiantly to stand and walk once more on his very last day.

I have been honoured and humbled by the part of my life spent caring for this man, who lived each and every day as if it were his last. He has given me love, pride, pleasure, happiness and, without doubt a greater understanding of life.

For any one of us our next moment may be our last here and better to have left having enjoyed oneself than to carry forward regrets. If I can even try to live my life half as well as he did his ~ then I will have learned his lessons well.

"Go confidently in the direction of your dream
~ Live the life you have imagined…"

Henry David Thoreau

BH friend Sheila Ganey shared these beautiful words of him:
"He has made heaven sparkle like a diamond in the sun;
Another light, not extinguished, but brighter than before
Shining down from the heavens.

And finally my favourite quote of all:
"Because I could not stop for Death,
He kindly stopped for me,
The carriage held but just ourselves
And Immortality
Emily Dickinson

We are grateful to Starr Ranch, late of Sonoma, for caring for this boy for six long years whilst he awaited a new and loving family to take him home once more. As time passed, Flame’s hope of finding a loving human again faded, and he retreated even further into his already shy and lonely world.

Once here with us he slowly came out of his shell and invited our love. Never well from the start we were delighted as Flame’s dis-ease happily went into remission as he laughed and played in the sunshine of his golden years. Sadly though, his time was to be short – a single year plus just one month.

Happily Flame found love at BrightHaven but not as we expected. For Flame love came swiftly in the shape of our animal massage therapist Andrea Kern, who quickly lost her sweet and sentimental heart to this special man. She came as oft as she was able and they spent many happy hours together creating special memories.

Some weeks before his death Flame became less solitary and began to seek affection and warmth from other cats, something not shown by him before. For several weeks he stayed close to Lucy, always the large and cuddly Mother cat. He sought her love and friendship, before moving on to spend his days as well as night times too, cuddled close with many – Emily, Trevor, Barney, Adam, Beauregard, Ginny and Oscar to name but a few.

They laughed and talked of many things and learned and who knows what else, as they conversed, until the day came when Flame could barely stand or eat. That day he found a quiet dark place and told us he would leave in peace. It was his time. Andrea came, and together they bade each other fond fare-thee-well – adieu until they meet again one day. Very soon after his lady left, Flame also departed his body in such sweet peace we rarely see.

Farewell our courageous and gentle man – We so much miss your sweet, sweet self.

"Courage is not the towering oak that sees storms come and go;
It is the fragile blossom that opens in the snow "

Alice Mackenzie Swaim

This diminutive little princess came to BrightHaven in 1999 with her sister Tiffany. Their beloved lady Mother died and her family cared not about this sweet pair and would have seen them killed but for a caring friend – and the rest you know!!

The sweet "button-nosed" Maddie and her gorgeous sister, the calico Tiffany, settled into BrightHaven life quickly and soon the tiny Maddie was breaking all our hearts with her sweet charm and kitten-like minute body with high stepping little white paws. She looked as though a puff of wind could just blow her right away and yet she passed through her twentieth year with ease.

Over two years ago our Madlet requested a move into Richard’s den to escape the hustle and bustle of the house, and therein she created her own domain – with her basket beside the bed and the luxury of diving under the covers at night to snuggle.

After a short and successful battle with the dreaded inflammatory bowel disease Maddie soon became healthy and happy and remained that way until her death. She astounded everyone as she gaily ate and slept her way through life, although toward the end she gradually became smaller and slimmer until it seemed as though she may well vanish from our sight! Maddie spent her last night on this earth under the covers as always with Richard and I, and said her fare-thee-well to us with all the grace and charm and sweet dignity that I would have expected of this charming, wise and so very old soul.

Until we meet again one day sweet girl.

"Because I could not stop for Death,
He kindly stopped for me,
The carriage held but just ourselves
And Immortality"

Emily Dickinson