Animal Reiki: A Vital Part of BrightHaven’s Animal Hospice Care – Part 1 of 2

BrightHaven’s approach to animal hospice care the BrightHaven way is all about living well through the last breath, regardless of circumstances. And that’s what Reiki is all about too! What is Animal Reiki? It’s essentially meditating with animals to share a peaceful, kindhearted space where connecting heart-to-heart promotes optimal balance of body, mind and spirit … Read more

Latest Animal Caregiver FAQ: What is BrightHaven’s Approach to Grief?

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

In Loving Memory of the Inimitable Ziggy Pope

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

Bidding a Heartfelt Farewell to Our Dear, Wonderful Rosie 

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

Lessons from Our Animals: What Are 3 Uplifting Opportunities of Grief?

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

How Can You Join Other Animal Lovers & Give Better Animal Hospice Care?

We’re very excited to tell you about BrightHaven’s latest partnership! It’s with the Animal Hospice Group, also known as AHG. And BrightHaven’s President and Founder Gail Pope is one of the AHG founders! To help you get better acquainted with AHG, we’ve answered a few key questions you might have: What is AHG’s goal? When … Read more

2 Ways Helpful BrightHaven Caregiver Resources Are Better Than Ever!

BrightHaven’s goal is to help you help your animals live well each and every day! Founded in 1990 by Gail and Richard Pope, BrightHaven is a renowned animal rescue, hospice education and holistic education nonprofit organization. Our primary focus: senior, disabled and chronically ill animals, a vulnerable population that has an overwhelming need to find … Read more

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

A Beautiful Tribute to Rico, One Amazing Cat

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

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