In Loving Memory of a Special, Sweet Dog, Andy

I’m honored to share BrightHaven President & Founder Gail Pope’s words, in loving memory of a special sweet dog and family member, Andy.  

Andy Comes Home 

“In October 2023 I was still reeling from the recent losses of my husband, Richard, and dogs Rosie and Ziggy. I missed dog energy in the home and visited the local humane society. I was introduced to two deaf and blind, never potty trained, 14 to 16-year-old puppy-mill dogs.

They were possibly brothers and clearly unadoptable for many people. And so, Andy and Ollie came home with me!

Andy proved to be not completely deaf and blind – perhaps 95% of each, which greatly helped our communication. Additionally, both dogs were terrified to be in this strange new world, now in a real home, which the brothers had clearly never before experienced.

Lots of love, good food, belly bands with diapers and a peaceful environment proved successful. Soon Andy and Ollie began to find their way around the house and garden. And they particularly found their way around and into my heart… I laughed out loud each time as more than one person remarked about the similarity of Andy’s and my hairstyle!

Andy was perhaps the most anxious being I have ever known. His bright, always-worried black eyes followed me everywhere. I am forever grateful for our wonderful homeopathic veterinarian Jeff Levy, DVM, who helped with the healing of Andy’s body, mind and spirit so that he could blossom into the being he was destined to be.

Andy Prepares for His Next Adventure 

Sadly, I watched Andy’s gradual decline in energy and strength over the last few months. I realized that at around 18 years of age he was readying to leave his physical home. And depart he did on 9^th September 2025, with Ollie and human family members Kirstie, Dave and me holding vigil by his side. Of course Dr. Jeff was standing by in case of need.

One wonders briefly how much pain of loss the human heart can bear. But I will be forever grateful to have known and loved this sweet soul, so full of great courage, for even a small part of my life.

And as I feel the heaviness of my heart, I am drawn more to the beauty and peaceful solitude of nature and walking side-by-side with Ollie, who is also experiencing his own muddled grief.

For three days Ollie and I honored and loved Andy’s beautifully scruffy physical body in state. As so many before him at BrightHaven, he was surrounded by a Buddhist prayer shawl and attended by the teddy bear brigade, as well as the dragonfly to bring transformation and light, and the magical power of the unicorn. As well as other mementos of his two wonderful years in my home and in my heart.”

We never lose our loved ones. They accompany us; they don’t disappear from our lives. We are merely in different rooms. ―Paulo Coelho

---

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)

• 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.

• 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.

---

Join the BrightHaven Family!

Sign Up for the BrightHaven Newsletter!

By becoming a part of our network of valued supporters, you will stay abreast of additions to our Caregiver Resources and Education (including animal hospice and holistic healthcare) program.

You will also receive information about animals needing rescue and updates on those we have saved through our Rescue program that specializes in medical rehabilitation, which makes us unique.

Your user information will never be shared with a third party without permission or sold.

We truly appreciate your support!