BrightHaven's Rose Ceremony
is a free virtual gathering held the second Sunday of every month at 2:00 PM PST / 5:00 PM EST. Pet parents share photos and short stories about a pet who has died — recently or long ago — in a small, gentle Zoom circle led by Karen Wylie, Gail Pope, and Dr. Alice Kay Lovelace. No pressure to speak. No camera required.
A Sacred Tradition, Reimagined Online
Once held in person at the BrightHaven Sanctuary, the Rose Ceremony is now offered as a virtual monthly gathering. Together, we’ll honor the beloved pets who have transitioned from our lives yet remain forever in our hearts.
Rose Ceremony Details
Every 2nd Sunday of the month
2:00 PM PST | 5:00 PM EST
Via Zoom
Our Rose Ceremony is intentionally intimate and personal, creating space for gentle connection. We ask you to please fill out the form below to receive the official zoom link for the Rose Ceremony happening every month.
No Ceremony is recorded. You do not have to have your camera on to participate.
Rose Ceremony
May the Rose Ceremony bring comfort, healing, and a reminder that the love we share with our animals never truly ends.
Meet Your Hosts
GAIL POPE
Founder of BrightHaven and Co-Founder of Animal Hospice Group. Internationally recognized for her pioneering work in animal hospice and natural death, Gail has personally guided hundreds of animals and their families through the dying process across more than 30 years at BrightHaven Sanctuary. She is the author of The BrightHaven Way: Lessons from 700 Animal Teachers.
KAREN WYLIE, EdD, CAHP
Executive Director of Animal Hospice Group and Co-Founder of BrightHaven Caregiver Academy. Karen has been a lifelong pet owner and caregiver, with over 30 years of hands-on experience spanning the full continuum of pet care — cradle to grave, newborns to seniors. That range has left her deeply attuned to what grieving pet parents need most: patience, honesty, and a place where their love for their pet is never minimized.
DR. ALICE KAY LOVELACE, MDiv, DMin, CAHP
Ordained in the United Methodist Church, Alice has served in congregational pastoral ministry for over 30 years. As a Certified Animal Hospice Practitioner (CAHP), Companion Animal End-of-Life Doula, and Pet Loss Grief Specialist, she teaches Animal Reiki and other meditation methods to help caregivers and their pets support each other before, during, and after the animal's end of life.
Rose Ceremony: What to Expect
You'll join a small Zoom circle — usually just a handful of us.
Someone might share a photo of a cat who's been gone ten years, or a dog who died last month. We ask everyone to keep their story to about two minutes, not because your pet's story is small, but so there's room for every pet in the circle to be heard. If you'd rather just listen, that's welcome too.
The Rose Ceremony is simply a circle of people who understand what it means to love an animal and lose one. You don't need the right words. You don't need to have it together. You just need to show up as you are.
This isn’t about saying goodbye, it’s about celebrating LOVE truly never ends 
Sharing Your Pet’s Memory
Some people find comfort in sharing a photo or a few words about their pet. Others prefer to simply attend quietly. Both are equally welcome.
If you decide you’d like to share a photo to include in our slideshow, do let us know by emailing us or replying to one of our newsletters.
But please know that your presence alone is more than enough.
Why Join the Rose Ceremony?
Find comfort in community
Surround yourself with others who truly understand the depth of love and grief that comes with losing a beloved animal companion.
Celebrate your pet’s life in a sacred circle
Together, we’ll honor the joy, lessons, and unconditional love your pet brought into your life, holding their memory in a space filled with compassion and reverence.
Create room for healing
This gathering is not about saying goodbye—it’s about nurturing the continuing bonds you share with your pet and finding peace in knowing that love never ends.
Be part of a cherished tradition
The Rose Ceremony began years ago at the BrightHaven Sanctuary and has brought comfort to countless families. Now offered online, it continues to provide a sacred space of remembrance and healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still feel unsure? Click each question below to see the answer
Do I have to speak or share a story?
No. Many people attend and simply listen. There's no pressure to share.
Is the Rose Ceremony recorded?
Is this a religious ceremony?
Is the Rose Ceremony a grief support group?
Can I attend if my pet died a long time ago?
Is it really free?
With love and gentle blessings, we welcome you into this circle of remembrance, gratitude, and connection. May the Rose Ceremony bring comfort, healing, and a reminder that the love we share with our animals never truly ends
If you don’t see what you need, or what you think would help you,
let us know via our website's Contact form or email us at support@brightpathforpets.com
Looking for More Support?
If you’re feeling unsure about how to build a care plan that works for your pet, we’re here to help. At BrightHaven Caregiver Academy, we offer a variety of resources to support you:
- Consultations Services: Get personalized advice on creating and adjusting care plans from our experienced team.
- Caregivers’ Hub: Whether you're just beginning to worry about your pet’s health or you're deep in the trenches of daily care, the Hub is here to help you feel more confident, less alone, and deeply supported—every step of the way.
- Educational Resources: Learn more about chronic conditions, caregiving strategies, and how to support your pet’s well-being in our comprehensive courses.
Together, we can help you and your pet navigate this challenging journey with resilience, compassion, and, above all, peace of mind. Sign up for our mailing list to stay informed about new resources and services designed to support you and your pet on this journey.