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Anam Cara
Animal-Assisted
End-of-Life Doula Visits

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Discover the meaning of Anam Cara - Soul Friend
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What are Anam Care Doula Visits

 

At the End-of-Life, in the quiet threshold between life and death, there exists a sacred place – a place of release, remembrance and return.  As an End-of-Life Doula rooted in the Celtic tradition of Anam Cara, I offer a compassionate presence with animal assistance for those nearing death and for their loved ones who walk beside them. It is my role to serve both as witness and guide, walking as a soul friend through their final days to help provide for a good death.


The Ministry of Anam Cara – Soul Friend Companionship – In the Celtic tradition of Anam Cara – a soul friend is someone with whom you can share the innermost parts of your heart and soul.  I listen deeply and hold space for reflection and sharing, allowing people to explore their feelings.  With this guidance, letting go, forgiveness, acceptance, gratitude and love all become easier.  I behold the light and beauty of each soul.  

 

Peaceful Presence with Therapy Rabbits – The rabbits allow space for us to feel safe and to hear the whispers from God.  They bring unconditional love and joy to these sacred moments that words often cannot.  By holding the rabbits close to our hearts, we realize how much this contact and closeness matters.  Their quite presence, held in stillness, opens the door to many healing gifts and the most precious of moments spent with our loved ones.

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Rabbits have been known in many cultures to symbolize the cycles of life and death, rebirth and new beginnings.  They teach us how to live fully in the present moment, have hope for the new journey ahead and awaken to the most important things in life.  They are a powerful symbol for transformation and can help us to remember our spiritual nature.  These are all beautiful gifts to share with a person at the end of life, as well as with family members.​

As an End-of-Life Doula, I want to help each person face death not with fear, but with the peace that comes from trusting in eternal life.  I honor each life with reverence, respect and love.  By holding space, listening and sharing the rabbits, it is my wish to prepare the heart and soul for an easy transition through this sacred passage. We will not walk through death in despair, but rather with hope and joy.

“I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.”  John 11:25

Please contact Christi at 336-766-1444 (home) or 336-655-5664 (cell for calls or text) or email: Christi@mrscottontailandfriends.com 

I am happy to have a consultation with you over the phone to discuss your personal needs before a visit is arranged.

About Christi Eley's End-of-Life Doula Experience:

 

  • Founder and Owner of Mrs. Cottontail and Friends – visiting over 60 senior care facilities in the last 15 years working with many people at the end of life.

  • Death Doula Training through INELDA (International End of Life Doula Association)

  • Professional Experience in the Grief Counseling Department of Hospice

  • Volunteer for Trellis Supportive Care (Hospice Home in WS)

  • Certified Medical Assistant

  • Many personal experiences with death from an early age, later father's cancer journey and the tragic murder of two family members.

  • Student of Christian Contemplation with many retreats/workshops/courses.

  • Celtic Anam Cara Training.

  • Certified Yoga Instructor focusing on Meditation/Guided Imagery

Our Clients Say

I got to know Christi Eley when my father was a patient at Arbor Acres skilled nursing facility. Christi is a deeply compassionate, creative, and dedicated person, who brings joy and comfort to the elderly through her unique approach. She has a remarkable ability to connect with people of different backgrounds, personalities, and needs. She is respectful, patient, and attentive, and always shows genuine interest and care for the residents.
Christi had a tremendous impact on my father, a dentist who became a quadriplegic in a fall. He was mentally sharp and a voracious reader but reserved, avoiding the usual community activities.  Before his accident, he had a horse farm and had a passion for animals.  Christi brought her rabbits his room, engaged him slowly and thoughtfully and, over time, developed a strong connection with him.  Through her rabbits, lots of patience and creativity, she was able to get through his often prickly exterior like no one else.  She became his most cherished visitor and brought him much joy.  Dad so enjoyed these visits that he worked with Christi to schedule a surprise visit for our young daughter when we were visiting from Seattle.  Christi also built a wonderful relationship with my mother.  After my father passed, Christi made special trips to our home to visit my mother every Christmas and birthday.  As Mom’s memory faded, she would regularly ask when she could visit the rabbits again.  
I highly recommend Christi Eley for any opportunity that involves connecting with people and animals. She is a unique, rare and deeply caring person, who has a passion for making a difference in the world. 
Sincerely,  Brian Young

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“Let there be an opening into the quiet that lies beneath the chaos, where you find the peace you did not think possible and see what shimmers within the storm.”  


John O'Donohue, Anam Cara

“We cannot change the outcome, but we can affect the journey.”
Ann Richardson

Everyone wants to be the sun to lighten up everyone's life, but why not be the moon, to brighten
in the darkest hour.

Mrs. Cottontail and Friends
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