How Do I Navigate a Terminal Diagnosis for My Loved One?

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

Can Suffering Really Be a Matter of Choice?

When we have an elderly or ill furry family member, or our beloved animal has received a terminal diagnosis, pain, suffering, will to live and quality of life for living and dying become important considerations. A Helpful Definition of Suffering Pain and suffering are often lumped together, as if they’re synonymous. However, that may not … Read more

What Animals Want Us to Know About Living a Full Life

One of the many things that this shared COVID19 experience has brought front and center is the omnipresent impermanence of everything, including life itself. What animals want us to know: Living well and fully each and every day is so important, regardless of circumstances. And animals can definitely show us how! What Animals Want Us … Read more

On the Subject of Animal Hospice & Natural Death

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

It’s the Intention of Expectations That Counts the Most

After seeing an ad promoting yet another device promising to get your dog to immediately do what you want (in this case to stop barking), I started thinking about the unrealistic expectations many of us humans have of animals. I was also reminded of the prevailing and often unconscious attitude that animals are merely property … Read more

Help Your Loved One Live the Best Life Possible Each & Every Day!

BrightHaven is a leader in the emerging field of animal hospice AND we’re also renowned for our holistic healthcare.   We’ve combined these two specialties into our latest online course, presented by BrightHaven’s President and Founder Gail Pope and Education Program Specialist Carol Hulse:   BrightHaven Holistic Animal Hospice: Fundamentals We understand that many pet … Read more

What Hope Taught Me About Fear

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

New booklet to help you help your animal!

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

What Does Everyone Love, Want & Need?

cat in blue jingle bell cap

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