A Terminal Diagnosis for Your Beloved Pet & What You Can Expect

One of the most difficult situations a pet parent can face: Your cherished animal received a terminal diagnosis. What can you expect? What do you do now? How can you best support your loved one? What is the best way forward for our family? These are just a few of the many challenging questions that … Read more

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 … Read more

A Loving Farewell to a Cherished & Unique Feline Family Member, Purrci

BrightHaven President & Founder Gail Pope shares a heartfelt farewell to a cherished and unique feline family member, Purrci. “The 13th of July 2023 was a BrightHaven red letter day as it was the day that our dog Ziggy invited Purrci [Purr-see] to join our lives. A little overview may help set the stage. How … Read more

How Can You Help Your Animals Live Well at Every Life Stage? FREE DOWNLOAD

help your animals live well

Help your animals live well through the last breath, regardless of circumstances, the BrightHaven way! From a holistic perspective, it is our belief that it’s not just the physical body that becomes ill, but the entire being. In other words, removing the physical symptoms of the illness will not, despite all efforts, restore balance if … Read more

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

In Part 1 we looked at BrightHaven’s heart-centered approach to animal hospice care and described the peaceful and compassionate practice that is Animal Reiki. We also shared some thoughts on death and dying and pain and suffering. Now we’ll take a closer look at the many wonderful ways Reiki can help your loved one throughout … 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

In Loving Memory of Sasha: The End of a BrightHaven Era

The past beats inside me like a second heart. —John Banville BrightHaven President and Founder Gail Pope shares warmhearted tribute to Sasha:   November 19, 2022, is a date I will remember with mixed feelings as it marked not only the death of our beloved Sasha, but also the end of a BrightHaven era. You … 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