ABOUT AHELP
and OUR CORE VALUES
AHELP exists because we envision a world where every pet parent can access comprehensive animal hospice services through collaboration with the veterinary team working alongside allied family and animal service providers.
When our seven founders invited over fifteen pet parents and professionals to speak at AHELPâs inaugural workshop âIntroduction to Home Care and Animal Hospice,â we didnât know what to expect.
But we got an overwhelming response on that crisp fall day at the Kirkland Womenâs Club: not only was the event sold out, but the attendees were deeply engaged and eager to learn about compassionate end-of-life care for their beloved pets. Few knew about animal hospice in 2010, so our mission became clear: to develop AHELP as a leader in adapting human hospice principles for pets and to support the people who love them.
We focused on educating professionals and supporting pet parents, who became inspired to join our volunteer community. With determination and the help of sponsors, we obtained our 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in 2013, and animal lovers who saw the urgent need for our mission joined our board of directors.
Early Years
Our strategy during 2011-2017 was to hold awareness and educational events for pet parents and service practitioners who served animals and their families. Hereâs what we did:
- AHELP Co-founder and spiritual counselor Diane Dyer facilitated Animal Caregiver Support Circles monthly in Seattle and the Eastside (sponsored by Seattle Veterinary Specialists/Blue Pearl Kirkland).
- We held three Friendship Day Open Houses to connect pet parents with family, animal and veterinary providers whose services are beneficial to animal hospice.
- We presented an Animal Hospice Certification Program for local professionals, animal lovers who worked in sanctuaries like Pasados Safe Haven, and pet parents who fostered for organizations like Old Dog Haven.
- To keep up operations and contribute to our âHelp for Animal Hospice Pet Parents Fund,â we held FUNdraisers at pet-friendly venues such as Northwest Cellars (Kirkland) and Normâs Eatery and Alehouse (Currently Closed, Fremont, Seattle).
- Local artisans taught us to engage hands, heart, and mind in creating memorials to remember our pets at our regularly held art therapy-inspired Creative Healing Workshops with our sponsor, Splashdog. These principles inspire us today.
- We represented AHELP at Community Outreach Events sponsored by Seattle Animal Shelter, Puppy Up Foundation, Old Dog Haven, Purrfect Pals, MEOW Cat Rescue, Homeward Pet Adoption Center and â Seattle Kennel Club, to name just a few.
As AHELP spread the word, more pet parents sought hospice support despite limited veterinary services. We formally bridged this gap in 2016 with our Animal Caregiver Support Program, where Animal Hospice Practitioner Michelle Nichols and our trained, mentored, and multitalented âAHELPerâ volunteers conducted their Comprehensive Care Home Visits. As of the time of this writing, our records show we have helped over 250 families and their animal friends.
What began as a humble workshop blossomed into a mission to bring to life a change in how pet parents can support their companions.
In 2024, we have come full circle, returning to our core mission of awareness, education, and support to enhance the well-being of pets and the people who love them. Please join our AHELP Community!
At AHELP, we prepare, guide, and empower pet parents through their animal companionâs journey â during illness, the end of life, and beyond â to make compassionate decisions that promote quality of life on the path to the Rainbow Bridge.
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OUR CORE VALUES
Honoring
Every person brings personal values, views, and beliefs to animal caretaking as unique as their fingerprint. We aim to find virtue in each and, without bias or judgment, support individuals in achieving their goals.
Honoring is a core value we live out through our practices of companionship and active listening to pet parents.
Let us walk with you.
Bond-Centered
Respectful communication that honors the human-animal bond is a cornerstone of ours. We nurture relationships that enhance animal welfare, support human well-being, and ensure compassionate care for both pets and their families. Active listening and the search for understanding embody our brand promise to pet parents and fuel our mantra, âWe get it!â
Collaborative
Interdisciplinary teamwork is central to our hospice philosophy. Veterinarians lead the medical care, while Animal Hospice Practitioners from our network provide âwhole-isticâ support through bodywork, energy work, and animal communication. Trusted grief counselors, social workers, and spiritual counselors offer families the emotional support needed to continue the highest level of compassionate caregiving.
Inclusive
Everyone, from pet parents to practitioners to volunteers and leaders, has an equitable role in shaping animal hospice and contributing to AHELP's mission. Inclusivity means adapting to diverse needs so that all, regardless of race, gender and sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, education, or profession, feel valued and empowered within our community.
BE A-HELP TO OTHERS...
AHELP envisions a world where every pet parent can access competent, compassionate animal hospice care through collaboration with veterinary, family, and allied animal service providers.
Please donate to our 'Help for Animal Hospice Pet Parents Fund' to benefit pets and their families needing support and a peaceful journey.
HELP TODAY!