SHORT SUMMARY: The discussion delves into the profound world of animal hospice and holistic end-of-life care. The conversation explores the spiritual dimensions of the journey, the stages of dying, and the powerful lessons Mother Nature offers, while also extending a call to action for younger generations to advocate for the well-being and choices of sentient beings.
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Gail Pope
Co-founder of BrightHaven & Animal Hospice Group
Michelle Nichols
Co-founder of the Animal Hospice Group
Karen Wylie
Executive Director of the Animal Hospice Group
Monique Brignoni
Pet Death Doula & Soul Coach
Hana Mäkinen
Animal Communicator, End of Life, Afterlife and Grief specialist
Gail Pope is a co-founder of the Animal Hospice Group and has been a pioneering leader in the field of animal hospice and palliative care for over 30 years. She is the president and founder of BrightHaven Center for Animal Rescue in California. Gail’s profound experience in hospice care and her dedication to the well-being of senior and special needs animals have made her a respected figure in both the veterinary and caregiver communities. She is also an author and speaker, with six books on various aspects of animal hospice and caregiving.
Michelle Nichols, another co-founder of the Animal Hospice Group, discovered her passion for animal hospice after her boxer, Brody, was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy at just five years old. Michelle’s personal journey into hospice care began when she and her family decided to provide Brody with compassionate end-of-life care at home. With over a decade of experience in human healthcare counseling and leadership roles, including serving as the president of the International Association of Animal Hospice and Palliative Care, Michelle brings a wealth of expertise to the field.
Karen Wylie is the Executive Director of the Animal Hospice Group. Her journey with the organization began as a student, and she later became a certified hospice nurse. Karen’s role has evolved to include Director of Education, where she coordinates their certification program for veterinary teams. She has a background in training and development, and her graduate degrees have been instrumental in transforming and expanding the reach of the Animal Hospice Group. Karen also plays a crucial role in providing support and education to pet parents and family members managing difficult diagnoses at home.
Monique Brignoni holds a wholehearted and deep connection with all animals and has a passion for the unseen and a love of life. Being a catalyst for high frequencies, and using her multi-sensory abilities to connect with animals, she assists pet parents in personal transformations. Monique is on a mission to change the way the end of life of our animal friends is lived today. She helps pet parents approach this phase in an enlightened state, one that holds the frequencies of love that are the base of the pet/parent relationship, bringing light to the sacredness of the transition, which creates a true sense of peace in both animals and humans.
Hana Mäkinen is a Professional Animal Communicator and End of Life Specialist dedicated to helping pet owners navigate the challenges of their beloved pets’ illnesses, aging, and beyond. With a background that includes training from the Gurney Institute of Animal Communication, David Kessler’s Grief Educator Program, trauma knowledge, herbalism, and a degree in Psychology, Hana brings over 30 years of expertise in natural health and healing to her practice. Her personal experiences, extensive client sessions, and professional training have shaped her profound understanding of death, dying, trauma, and grief.
SPEAKERS’ WEBSITES: BrightHaven, Animal Hospice Group, Hana Mäkinen’s site, Monique Brignoni’s site
SPEAKER RESOURCES: Don’t miss out on a special limited time offer from the Animal Hospice Group!
Sacred Paws Summit Attendees will receive a 20% OFF discount on any Animal Hospice Programs and Courses!
To receive the discount, please visit: https://qrco.de/summitattendee
Really appreciated this panel, just lovely!
I might disagree with Mrs Brignoni on the subject of dying in the animal world. Not all animals die the same, not all feel the same- Animals do have different personalities, and of course, they can feel pain and despair, just like us. But besides this, I really enjoyed the whole talk.
I also remind the panel that, in nature, old animals become prey, very easily, to predators, not being able to run so fast; so, in a way, the hunting of a predator becomes a kind of euthanasia.
I can’t wait to start reading the books mentioned!
Congratulations on a lovely summit.
Hi Cathy 🙂
Thank you for your comments! It seems that what I said gave the opposite impression of what I wanted to convey and I now have the opportunity to expand. Thanks for voicing your thoughts.
You are 100% right, our pets are unique and they all die in a unique way, guided by the energies of transition that are connected to their energy field, emotional dynamics with us, and so much more. This is the reason we can’t have one unique solution that fits everyone and we have to take the responsibility of learning about the end-of-life process and what we can do on all levels in order to fully support them in exactly what they need. What is the same, humans and animals, is how the body closes down.Just like there is a process for all beings to come into this world, the same intelligence organises the closing down of the body happens when we leave this plane of existence. Knowing about the process is invaluable because we can recognise what is truly happening, which helps us remain calm and know when to rush to the vet and when to keep them in a quiet environment to help them transition. How a pet or a human dies, make a different in how they are prepared to start their journey on the other side.
I also agree with you about animals feeling pain. The difference is that they deal with it differently. We live mainly from the dimension of the mind and rationalise everything, whilst they live from the dimension of the emotions and they feel through life. So they don’t add suffering to the mix ( which increases pain) because suffering is something we do by constantly playing the story over in our minds. If we are aware of the emotional and energetic energies that are guiding what is happening and we are able to keep a calm heart, then we can contribute greatly with easing their pain. No pet should be left in pain and we have many ways to support them today and added to the incredible medical advancements and all the holistic approaches, it’s important not to forget our part and the dimension of spirit. Because dying, is mainly a spiritual event. Once we learn the death process from all levels, we understand how dying is not inherently painful. Mother Nature has created us well and I am forever fascinated by everything that is happening beyond what we see that makes us and our pets so wonderful.
As you say, in nature old animals fall prey easily and it’s fascinating to see how an old animal will leave the group and prepare for their transition. It might be slightly different than euthanasia, although in case of younger animals, it is indeed a sudden death, because an animal doesn’t have rational thoughts like we do, but rather they take life as it comes. We have so much to learn from them 🙂
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts Cathy!
Yes! Not all animals live or die the same. It all depends on their individuality.
Great point about “euthanasia” in the wild.
I hope that you enjoy the rest of the summit.
Jeff
Loving the conversation! Monique, I especially enjoyed your participation in this panel. Having lived for many years in Mexico and becoming familiar with indigenous traditions there, I appreciate your bringing in pieces of Mexican and Peruvian cosmovisions, especially related to death. The way Day of the Dead is celebrated in Mexico is such a clear example of another and in my opinion, healthier, way to think about death.
Thank you Judy ? indeed the indigenous traditions have helped me immensely to open up to a bigger vision and it changes so much! You are right, becoming aware of how death is part of our daily lives and changing our relationship with it, is definitely a big step for us. I remember speaking with the ex-prime minister of Buthan who said how death is contemplated every single day in their culture and the moment we can accept the impermanence around us, it helps us all live a better life. And our animals teach us this so well ?
What a glorious conversation! So much profound wisdom and expressions of love! Thanks for all the ideas shared! I have been very interested in natural dying after a less then ideal supporting of Gus Gus! He is the catalyst for my new exploration into this approach! Banner (horse) has told me we will share this natural dying process together and I am so thankful he trusts me to support him through this process. Your panel is spot on with there thoughts and I have so much gratitude for your sharing! Will definitely pass this on! ✌???
I really enjoyed this session. I had never known there was such a thing as a pet hospice and learned a lot. I am a loving pet owner whose cat is newly diagnosed since last year with blossoming kidney disease. After losing my only sibling unexpectedly last year, the thought of going through another big loss has been unsettling. But I am open to learning and being present in the moment to support Bella. I will be looking more into the subject and checking out Gail’s website. All the panelists were WONDERFUL!
I loved this video. My experiences as a healing touch provider and animal communicator have opened my mind and heart to the incredible beauty of the death experience for animals. This sharing was wonderful and helped put into words what I have been feeling….always more to explore and the journey is continuing!