BrightHaven – Healing Arts Center for Animals

I have been here twice and absolutely love the place! First for the Horse Sanctuary, then for the Kitty Sanctuary. There are actually animals of all kinds here, and it’s such a happy place for all of them. Sunny, clean, indoor/​outdoor rooms, never lonely. Brighthaven offers dignified, loving life-​long care for the elderly and for special needs pets. It’s so important to plan for our pets the way we do for our kids. My cats are in my will, my wishes are clear, and i have left a lot of money for them — because it costs a lot of money to care for cats into their 20’s and beyond! I would never want them to end up in the shelter system, I would want them at a place like Brighthaven or Best Friends, where they would be loved and cared for to the end. Please support Brighthaven in any way you can. Elbow grease, financially, kitty cuddling — you name it. They are so deserving and so special! Remember to plan for your pets in the event of your early departure — and be sure to leave Brighthaven the most generous donation possible in your will!

I have taken classes at Brighthaven and have been enchanted since the first day I entered their doors. It is such a special place filled with love and «zen» (gentle fountains abound, as do holistic methods and lots of love and peace).
Brighthaven is truly a special place for not only dogs and cats, but horses, donkeys, goats, and even some barnyard fowl. In the year I have know the Brighthaven family, a number of cats have passed away but it has been in Gail’s loving arms, often after a week or more of intensive care and comfort as they get closer to their end. It is always a very moving experience for anyone who reads about it or is part of it. After all these years of working with senior and disabled animals, Gail and Richard still hold their hearts wide open and feel every animal has a lesson to teach them.
I happened to be there today when Tarka and Chelsea were moved to their new temporary home. It was very cozy and lovely and you could see they understood they were in a safe and loving place that really cared about them. Tarka is already exploring the larger house area happily if tentatively and Chelsea is quiet but quite calm, certainly appears like a normal cat who is sensitive and was very scared at the shelter but more than adoptable and loving.
The economic downturn has been very hard on Brighthaven and many similar non-​profits. Anybody who can help donate it would be to a very good cause if you love animals and believe senior and disabled animals need and deserve special care. You can learn more at