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

How Forgiveness Can Help You to Live Well Each & Every Day!

Animals can teach us a lot about releasing the past and moving forward after experiencing challenging and hurtful situations. We would be anthropomorphizing (attributing human behavior and characteristics) if we concluded that they forgave. Instead, their apparent resilience may spring from their natural inclination to live in the present moment and in alignment with Source, … Read more

What Can Promote Healing in Your Animals & You?

Over the years, animals have repeatedly shown us that balance of body, mind and spirit is essential to healing. In fact, that’s what drew us into the world of holistic healthcare! Their wisdom helped us to create the BrightHaven Menu for Healing that forms the foundation of our work. And it is designed to achieve … Read more

2 Lessons Animals Taught Me About Growing Older Gracefully & Fearlessly

What can animals teach us about grower older gracefully, and fearlessly? My answer: They can show us a lot! I’d like to share two important lessons I learned. A Park Encounter Last winter, my canine companion Bastie and I met a delightful dog at the park whose joie de vivre and vitality were palpable. She … 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

What unfailingly helps you to live well & fully each day?

The answer: LOVE!!! And as always, February has been the perfect month to celebrate love, with St. Valentine’s Day occurring on the 14th. At BrightHaven we celebrate and honor love in everything we do, every day of the year – its healing power is tremendous! For example, our Menu for Healing, which forms the foundation … 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

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