Ella Bittel, Holistic Veterinarian

PO Box 792, Buellton, CA 93427

ph. (805) 688 2707

spiritsintransition@verizon.net

Animal Hospice Events once again in Ashland

Spirits in Transition, holistic veterinarian Ella Bittel’s groundbreaking presentation on

end-of-life care for companion animals is scheduled once again to come to Ashland.

Since its successful premiere in the summer of 2007 her unique weekend seminar continues to

Expand its venues throughout the United States as public interest in and awareness of its subject

matter increases.

The weekend seminar will take place at Hidden Springs Wellness Center, 1651 Siskiyou Blvd.

from Friday evening, June 27^th, 6PM through Sunday, July 29, 1:30 PM.

For more information and registration, please call Amaroq Weiss at (541) 951-2966.

The bond that develops between an animal companion and its caretaker often reaches a depth

comparable to one with a beloved human family member. Animal lovers constantly strive to

improve the wellbeing of their furry friends throughout their lives. However, while advances in

veterinary medicine generally follow closely the accomplishments of healthcare for humans, a

chasm in care exists when the time arrives in an animal’s life that hospice steps in for people.

German veterinarian Bittel states, “The seminar Spirits in Transition has been created to help bridge

that very gap.”

Animal Hospice is just in its infancy. Its development is similar to the growth observed in holistic

healthcare, driven by the demand of clients concerned about the wellbeing of the animals in their

care - it is not a topic on the curriculum at veterinary schools. Euthanasia, while called a last resort,

has become the standard of care, the professional’s answer to the majority of situations once it is

clear that a cure is no longer an option.

As no books have yet been published on end-of-life care for animals, and even internet searches

won’t yield a big harvest when it comes to the specifics of practical care for dying animals, the

weekend seminar Spirits in Transition is a unique opportunity to venture deeply into this profound

topic.

“There clearly is a heartfelt demand for information about animal hospice among animal lovers.

It has been silenced by an assumption made on a societal level that dying means suffering, and

that, as responsible pet owners we will not let our animal suffer.” says Bittel. “But the reality is, that

many animals, just as most people, have a strong will to live out their lives all the way. More and

more people are becoming aware of that, and desire to know how to best support their beloved

animal companion throughout the end of it’s life, whenever appropriate.”

As it cannot be entirely predicted how the dying process will unravel for an individual, it is invaluable

to have a veterinarian who offers house calls and can be reached 24/7, whether for palliative care or

a final shot. While euthanasia remains an important option to have, to learn about the special needs

an animal may develop in the last hours, days or weeks of their lives may well make it possible for it

to die in its own time.

“We frequently associate caring for the dying with feelings of grief and despair. However, those

open to embrace the last season of life with their animal often find tremendous comfort

in having supported their four-legged friend all the way. While it may be challenging, it can also be

deeply fulfilling. Listening to and providing for our animal’s needs and wishes through its final hours

is a sacred privilege indeed.”

For further information on the weekend seminar call Amaroq Weiss (541) 951-2966 or send an e-mail to spiritsintransition@verizon.net.

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If you would like more information on this topic, please call Ella Bittel at (805) 688-2707 or

e-mail at: spiritsintransition@verizon.net. Photos available as well.