Blog #10 The End Of Life Journey: The Circle of Respect

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June 17, 2026

I captured this picture of Sophie (on the right) and Theo, last night. In 2010, I adopted them at separate times when I lived in Arizona. Sophie was already a year old, and Theo only eight weeks old when he came into our home. Sophie used to clean him like a little mother.

Last June, Sophie was diagnosed with Stage 3 renal disease. At that point, I was aware she would slowly decline. I prayed that she would make it to my next relocation, and she did so like a champ. During this time, she has continued to be active, eat well, and literally play like a kitten.

Yesterday, things took a turn. We visited the veterinarian, and we placed her on palliative care. I'm administering some medication to keep her comfortable, and I will not let her suffer. She is still eating well, but it's clear with her weight loss that the end of her journey is approaching. I will call the mobile veterinarian today so that I understand her process when she comes to the house.

Whether it be a human or a pet, the emotions are difficult during these transitions. We are never quite prepared for a loss, and the grieving process has to be taken at our own pace.

I wanted to share the "Circle of Respect," with you today. I learned this from a holisitic veterinarian in Arizona. If you have multiple pets in your home, it's important for them to have closure around a pet that is preparing to cross over.

When the veterinarian arrives to my home, I always have a blanket on the floor, to make my cat comfortable. We take our time, and she first administers a small dose of sodium pentothal to slow things down. Then she gives the final dose.

I then bring one of my cats over, and gently have them smell around the head of the cat that has passed. I then turn their head towards me and I say out loud, "I love you." I repeat this with my other cats.

Then the veterinarian leaves my house for about ten minutes, and each time I have experienced this, my cats go over and smell the cat that has passed. The veterinarian then comes back in, and takes the body away for cremation. My veterinarian in Arizona used to put the passed cat in a basket with stuffed animals. I absolutely loved this.

I hightly recommend that you read the book Talking with the Animals by Patty Summers. She is a well known animal communicator, and I have found personally that this has helped me through the grieving process.

I've been talking to my two other cats, Theo and Zeke, and explaining that Sophie is going through her end of life journey. I believe they understand.

Today, as I sip my morning coffee, I'm tearful, but at the same time, grateful for my time with Sophie, and the lovely energy she has brought to my home. I plan on sprinkling her ashes on top of the hill by my home.

She made it to Tennessee with me, a place where my three cats and I can finally call home...

Lisa Bromfield

Transformational Life Guide

Inspirational Speaker

Author