Living well through the last breath—we’ve talked about this intention for several years. And it remains a core principle of our caregiver resources and education!
But what exactly do we mean when we talk about living well through the last breath? We decided to share some of the highlights in a fun way, which led to this poem.
Living Well Through the Last Breath the BrightHaven Way
Animals are wise and wonderful teachers
and they’ve certainly shown us the way.
How all of us can live well and fully,
each and every day!
The BrightHaven Menu for Healing
forms the foundation of the work that we do.
Healing means balancing body, mind and spirit,
and feeling joyful and peaceful, too.
One of the best things you can do for your animal
is to focus on healthy nutrition.
As food is the body’s main energy source,
its quality greatly affects one’s condition.
Animal Reiki teaches us to see with our heart
and that our presence is the best gift we can give.
Savoring each moment with calm awareness—
what a wonderful way to live!
Animals naturally surrender to life’s flow.
They live in alignment with Source.
Resisting what’s unfolding causes suffering,
and can lead to needless remorse.
Animals are true to themselves.
They teach us how to live authentically.
They’re not worried about others’ opinions—
Animals are who they are, unapologetically.
Animals are innately in tune with Nature’s cycles.
Including those of dying and birth.
We’re all undeniably interconnected—
humans, animals and Mother Earth.
Animals have repeatedly shown us
that death is nothing to fear.
It’s a perfectly normal part of life
that makes each moment special and dear.
Prioritize self-care and self-compassion,
even when times are tough.
Remember you’re doing your best with love,
and that is more than enough!
We’ve found that being grateful,
for all that comes our way,
creates a sense of aliveness
that brightens up our day.
Love’s amazing healing power
certainly holds the key
to living well through the last breath.
And Love lasts for eternity…
By Carol Howe Hulse, April 2025
Maybe it’s animalness that will make the world right again: the wisdom of elephants, the enthusiasm of canines, the grace of snakes, the mildness of anteaters. —Carol Emshwiller
BrightHaven Caregiver Resources to Help Your Animal Live Well Each and Every Day!
ANIMAL WISDOM FOR LIVING WELL!
In a time of so much change and chaos, with old ways of being and doing undeniably falling away, animals can show us a much better and more authentic way to live. Find out what they’d like to share in GRATEFUL for Animals: Spiritual Comfort & Wisdom in Life’s Last Chapter, available on Amazon. (Authors: Gail Pope, BrightHaven President and Founder; Carol Howe Hulse, BrightHaven Education Program Manager)
(Photo by in joy photography)
- Do you have questions about how BrightHaven’s holistic healing or animal hospice care approaches can help your animal? Do you wish to discuss end-of-life concerns and options? We invite you to book a consultation for experienced and compassionate support.
- Follow Your Heart: Navigating a Terminal Diagnosis – helps you walk this often-challenging path with a deeper sense of peace, confidence and clarity. (Author: Gail Pope)
- The BrightHaven Guide to Animal Hospice – learn how to care for your animal companions in their Golden Years and through the end of life. (Author: Gail Pope)
- Soar My Butterfly: The Animal Dying Experience – a simple guide to the signs and symptoms you may encounter during the final stages of the natural dying process. (Author: Gail Pope)
- BrightHaven Online Learning – help your loved one live the best life possible each and every day! We share what we’ve learned about holistic healing, animal hospice and living and dying well by following the wisdom of the animals since 1990.
(Photo by Beth Shields)
- Walking with My Dog Through (End of) Life – an intimate look at a profound life passage, from terminal diagnosis through hospice care and a peaceful, gentle natural death. (Author: Carol Howe Hulse)
For more resources and information to help you help your furry family member, please visit BrightHaven’s Caregiver Resources & Education and Animal Caregiver FAQ.
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