How One Family Creates Rituals to Honor Their Pets at Home
What might it look like to honor a beloved pet at home after death?
After her cat Rupert died, Dr. Alice Kay Lovelace, D.Min., found herself wishing she could have kept his body with her longer. She simply hadn't known that was something a family could do.
Then Gail Pope told Alice about the way BrightHaven had honored sanctuary animals at home after death for many years. Learning about BrightHaven's experience expanded Alice's sense of what was possible and eventually gave her and her husband, David, the courage to try it themselves.
But Alice didn't simply recreate BrightHaven's rituals. She began developing rituals that felt right for her own animals and family.
In this second episode of our conversation with Alice, she takes us inside those rituals. She describes creating an honoring basket, selecting special fabrics and meaningful objects, tenderly wrapping the body, and caring for her pet's body with ice while it remains at home.
She also talks about allowing the other cats to approach and spend time with their companion after death—and about what she has observed as they come, go, and sometimes return.
In many ways, Alice and David have created their own kind of home wake for their pets: a quiet period when the animal remains physically present with the family before leaving home for cremation.
But Alice's rituals aren't a prescription for anyone else.
Even after learning that keeping a pet at home after death was possible, Alice wasn't ready to make that choice with the first animal she lost. And there is no required amount of time, particular ritual, or single "right" way to say goodbye.
Instead, Alice's story offers something much more personal: an invitation to discover what might feel meaningful for you, your family, and the animal you love.
As Alice explains, ritual can help transform grief into gratitude.
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📌About the Hosts:
💜 Karen Wylie, EdD is the Executive Director of the Animal Hospice Group and Co-Founder of BrightHaven Caregiver Academy. With decades of experience as an educator, caregiver, and organizational consultant, Karen has personally navigated the caregiving journey with cats, dogs, and horses through chronic illness and end-of-life transitions. Her mission is to give pet parents the tools, knowledge, and confidence to provide the best possible care for their animals at every stage of life. Learn more at BrightPathForPets.com
💜 Gail Pope is the Founder and President of BrightHaven, a nonprofit animal sanctuary, hospice, and educational center with over thirty years of experience providing holistic care to senior and special needs animals. Internationally recognized for her pioneering work in animal hospice and natural passing, Gail has personally cared for hundreds of animals through chronic illness, disability, and the dying process. Her work integrates holistic healing, complementary therapies, and deep respect for the natural process of dying. Learn more at BrightHaven.org
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Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes and not a substitute for professional advice. We are not veterinarians. While we do not provide medical diagnoses or treatments, we are experienced holistic caregivers. Our support focuses on helping you assess the situation, understand your options, and find clarity and calm in the middle of distress.
