The Gift of Now: Understanding Presence in Pet Hospice Care - Learning from Our Animals How to Live in the Present Moment

What does it really mean to "be present" with your pet? It's advice we hear constantly in pet hospice care, but rarely does anyone explain what presence actually looks like—or how to achieve it when your mind is racing with worry, regret, and endless caregiving tasks.

In this heartfelt conversation, Gail Pope and Karen Wylie explore presence not as an abstract spiritual concept, but as a tangible practice that can transform your final months, weeks, or days with your beloved companion.

Practical Tools Shared:

• Gail's personal mantra adapted from Thich Nhat Hanh: "Breathing in, I heal my spirit. Breathing out, I smile. Present moment, special moment."
• The three conscious breaths technique before approaching your pet
• Box breathing (count of 4) to anchor yourself in your body
• Using soft music as a ritual to signal your nervous system it's time to be present
• Engaging your other senses—texture, sound, smell, sight—to pull you out of your head
• Recognizing when Mother Nature (rain on the window, birds, changing light) calls you back
• The importance of releasing task-focus even briefly to simply BE with your pet

Why This Matters:

When we're lost in past regrets or future fears, we miss the precious moments still happening. When we're going through the motions of care—medications, cleaning, adjusting bedding—we can be physically present but emotionally absent. Our pets live fully in the now and offer us constant invitations to join them there.

This conversation offers permission to be imperfect at presence while providing concrete practices that actually work. Because as Gail and Karen remind us: our animals are simultaneously our greatest teachers and our most patient students in the art of being here, now.

🐾Whether you're currently caring for an aging or ill pet, or want to be prepared for the future, this episode offers compassionate, practical wisdom for supporting your entire animal family through this journey.💜

🌹 Join our monthly Rose Ceremony (free online pet celebration): https://brightpathforpets.com/rose-ceremony/

💬 If this episode touched your heart, you’re not alone. The BrightHaven Caregivers’ Hub is our supportive membership community for pet parents navigating caregiving, anticipatory grief, and all the moments in between.

We gather to share stories, ask questions, and care for each other as we care for our animals. If you’re walking this path, we’d be honored to walk it with you.

🔗 Learn more about the Hub: https://brightpathforpets.com/caregivers-hub/

📌Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review 🐶⭐🐱

📌About the Hosts:

💜 Karen Wylie, EdD is Executive Director of Animal Hospice Group and Co-Founder of BrightHaven Caregiver Academy. She specializes in caregiver education and emotional support for pet parents navigating chronic illness, hospice, and end-of-life care.

💜 Gail Pope is Founder and President of BrightHaven, a nonprofit animal sanctuary and hospice with over 30 years of experience in holistic care and natural passing. She is internationally recognized for her pioneering work in animal hospice care.

Learn More from BrightHaven Caregiver Academy For free resources, upcoming workshops, and a supportive community dedicated to navigating life with your aging or ill pet:

• Visit our website: brightpathforpets.com
• Join us on Youtube: www.youtube.com/@brighthaven_animals

Connect with Us on Social:

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/brightpathforpets
• Instagram: @brightpathforpets

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.