Embracing Death’s Journey with Our Animals

The death of her own dog, Momo, was the initial incidence that had Ella realize the extent to which in our society euthanasia has replaced knowledge about how to support an animal through its natural dying process.

First published in Alternatives Magazine, Resources for Cultural Creativity
Summer ’07, Issue 42, pg.35


Leaving this Life, in Rhythm with Nature

Common misunderstandings present in our society lead people to euthanize their animals in reaction to normal signs that mark specific phases during the natural dying process. His mom choosing to provide palliative care over calling the vet for the final shot allowed senior gelding Sunny to overcome a serious health crisis in the winter of 2006.

First published in Holistic Horse, Integrative Therapies for Horse and Rider
Fall 2007, Issue 51, pg.28

Sunny went forth to “host” the SPIRITS in Transition seminar in December 2007, enjoying another golden year including one more beautiful birthday party with his human and animal friends.


A Natural Transition

Help your dog die peacefully in her own home is the subtitle of this article which briefly summarizes some of the key points of how to provide quality of dying.

Written by Denise Flaim, published in DogFancy August 2008, Vol. 39, Number 8, pg.21

Focusing On The End 

This article takes a look how in the veterinary profession the term "hospice" currently is being interpreted in various ways. While all focus on comfort or palliative care, there are great differences in how soon or often euthanasia gets implemented. 

The article also talks about the First Symposium on Veterinary Hospice Care, shows what is in the making and already available in terms of education and pet hospice services and in addition touches on ways to memorialize a beloved pet. 

We are grateful to Jessica Tremayne for taking on this topic. Her article was published in Veterinary Practice News July 2008, Vol. 20/ Number 7/55, pg. 24-25.