Introductory note by Kathleen: Many of you reading this article have
taken my Reiki courses at BrightHaven in Santa Rosa and are familiar with the gentle little dachshund, Ollie, who was often sleeping under a blanket, but always ready to give a lesson in Reiki. Just today, February 8th, this wise old soul departed his physical body to continue his journey in spirit. He will be missed by many, and I wanted to include the following moving description from Gail Pope, President of BrightHaven, about his journey into spirit. He transitioned in his own time and in his own way while surrounded by family, friends and loved ones, all of whom have been keeping vigil for days and even weeks. You can read more about Ollie and the other animal residents of BrightHaven at www.brighthaven.org.

Dear friends,

Four years ago Joey joined the BrightHaven family to train to become
our mascot so that dear old Ollie could begin his retirement – at the
grand old age of 18 years. Today, Joey joins with me to write to you of Ollie’s amazing journey to the stars at 1:45am today.

This photograph below was taken of the two of them just a couple of
short weeks ago.

It is truly the end of a BrightHaven era today as we recall the life
and times of this amazing dog who showed cats that their “9 lives”
theory was pure bunkum. He would be around forever!

Now, on to the remarkable events of this morning:

Last evening Ollie was lower – we could see that. The cats, Beauregard, Woody, Barney and Charlie snuggled even closer and we settled down for a long night of vigil.

Fray roused me at 1:30 am to mention she heard a little sound from
Ollie and so I slid my arms under and around his body as best I could, given the arms and paws already around him!! He laid his head on my arm and I could feel his heart beating quite strongly.

We began once more to talk of old days in Ollie’s life and Richard went to make tea and, as we reminisced I suddenly became aware that I could no longer feel a beat. Ollie inclined his head so very slightly, as if in a gentle nod of farewell and was gone.

The end of our story? No indeed it was not.

As is our way we sat around to talk some more in honor of our boy and gradually came to realize that all the cats had not left, which is
generally their way. Once the person they are caring for has departed
they always leave for they are no longer needed and it is our turn to
hold and cuddle our loved one.

As we curled together on the floor, we watched as they each honored
Ollie by touching him gently and sitting for a very long period beside
his still body. Finally Beauregard (28 years!) took over and laid down
beside his old friend and cohort and placed his head on Ollie’s, there
to remain for a very long time. It was a sight too beautiful for words.

We were finally forced by nature to take a short nap, but could not
sleep it seemed. As I finally drifted a while in slumber I dreamed that Ollie was alive. I stroked his fur – I KNEW him well. I awoke with a start to hear Fray exclaiming she had just had the strangest dream – that Ollie was still alive. I guess it was his farewell to us both!

Beauregard, for the first time in weeks, is taking a long nap.

With love,
Gail