Center for animal rescue, hospice and holistic education
At BrightHaven, we often talk about following the wisdom of the animals. In fact, that’s how our Menu for Healing, the cornerstone of BrightHaven’s work, came into being! I was blessed to meet and spend time with many wise and wonderful animals while I lived on the BrightHaven sanctuary property in Santa Rosa, CA, for … Read more
BrightHaven President and Founder Gail Pope pays loving tribute to Bailey, a larger-than-life being: “March 26 th at 730pm saw the ending of yet another BrightHaven era, with the death of our amazing super-dog-man and old soul, Bailey. I am not sure that I can do justice to this larger-than-life character and the depth of … Read more
BrightHaven President and Founder Gail Pope shares a heartfelt message about her beloved Layla: “I would like to share with you today the story of my Layla: a cat who lived, loved and died with us and along the way taught me more than I can ever say about love, dignity, acceptance and perseverance. Layla … Read more
What is one of the most difficult things for any animal lover and pet parent to hear? It’s being told by the vet that your animal’s illness is terminal. 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 … Read more
I wanted to create a meaningful and helpful blog post for this holiday season, one that would apply to animals and people. I recalled a post I wrote back in December 2014 when I had my own personal blog. I thought it might be the perfect message for today and every day of the year. Although … Read more
We’re so excited to announce that the new BrightHaven Store is now open for business! In it you’ll find these two new fabulous designs created by Blanca Walker, and more. Many of our wonderful supporters have asked me when we’d have items sporting unique BrightHaven designs available for sale. And that time is NOW–just … Read more
NEW BRIGHTHAVEN BOOKLET COMING SOON!!! BrightHaven President and Founder Gail Pope is putting the finishing touches on an important booklet called Following Your Heart: Navigating a Terminal Diagnosis. Her wish is to help you walk this often-challenging path with a deeper sense of peace, confidence and clarity. Caring for animals who have special needs, … Read more
We’re very excited to share with you how BrightHaven’s work has been helping even more animals! BrightHaven President and Founder Gail Pope recently recorded a presentation called “Understanding the Animal Dying Experience” for the International Association of Animal Hospice and Palliative Care (IAAHPC), the premier industry organization. We’re really proud to say that this … Read more
I often feel uncomfortable when I hear that an animal or person has been given a specific number of days, weeks or years to live when they receive a terminal diagnosis. When it comes right down to it, who actually knows? None of us has an expiry date stamped in ink across our forehead! Of … Read more
BrightHaven President & Founder wrote a lovely memorial in honor of beautiful Annelie: “On July 6th our heartstrings were challenged yet again as we said fare-thee-well to another BrightHaven angel called Annelie. This sweet lady was brought to the BrightHaven sanctuary in 2016 and when it became apparent that the sanctuary property had to be … Read more