Center for Animal Rescue, Hospice and Holistic Education
In Part 1 we looked at BrightHaven’s heart-centered approach to animal hospice care and described the peaceful and compassionate practice that is Animal Reiki. We also shared some thoughts on death and dying and pain and suffering. Now we’ll take a closer look at the many wonderful ways Reiki can help your loved one throughout … Read more
The death of a treasured animal companion is one of the most difficult things we as animal lovers ever face. In our experience, this loss may be more difficult than that of a human family member due to the comforting constant companionship and unconditional love that animals bring into our lives. What Animals Have Taught … Read more
There is no death, only a change of worlds.” —Chief Seattle BrightHaven President and Founder Gail Pope wrote a heartwarming tribute to Ziggy: “Dear friends, Ziggy (named for the son of the equally incomparable Jamaican singer and musician Bob Marley) came to us in March 2018 from nonprofit Retrievers and Friends of Southern California. And … Read more
I am not this hair, I am not this skin, I am the soul that lives within.”—Rumi BrightHaven President and Founder Gail Pope shares a loving tribute to Rosie: “Dear friends, It is with love, joy, deep sadness and heartache that I write today to share the news of Rosie’s passing on Thursday 13th July … Read more
The past beats inside me like a second heart. —John Banville BrightHaven President and Founder Gail Pope shares warmhearted tribute to Sasha: November 19, 2022, is a date I will remember with mixed feelings as it marked not only the death of our beloved Sasha, but also the end of a BrightHaven era. You … Read more
The word “opportunity” may not come to mind when you’re emotionally reeling from the loss of a loved one. But as with most of the events we face in life – even the painful, heartbreaking ones – grieving holds many possibilities to deepen our capacity to grow and to love. Life-changing lessons are often found … Read more
As all of us animal lovers know, being told by the vet that our beloved’s illness is terminal is one of the most difficult things to hear. What do I do now? How can I best support my animal friend? What is the best way forward for our family? These are just a few of … Read more
We are honored to share the loving tribute to Rico written by longtime BrightHaven friend and supporter, Dr. Kathryn Marocchino of The Nikki Hospice Foundation for Pets. Along with BrightHaven’s Gail Pope and Dr. Ella Bittel of Spirits in Transition, Kathryn co-created the Quality of Dying Checklist, which assesses quality of life as the hospice journey progresses … Read more
BrightHaven President and Founder Gail Pope shares her heartfelt tribute to Fray: “Somewhere around the beginning of 2003 we welcomed a new volunteer to the BrightHaven fold, Fray Huffman. After 17 years of devoted and unwavering service to the animals to whom she dedicated her life, I find it still hard to believe that … Read more
In March 2017, Adam Clark, LCSW, AASW, interviewed BrightHaven President and Founder Gail Pope for a Psychology Today article about animal hospice and natural death. This information remains very relevant to those who are seeking an alternative to euthanasia for their beloved animal family member. As you can see from our animal hospice guiding statement, … Read more