Mrs. Cottontail and Friends
Litlte Hops of Light Visits
Little Hops of Light
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Christian Pet Death Doula Comfort Visits for Children
Grieving a Beloved Pet
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Helping little hearts through life's tender goodbyes.
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Little Hops of Light: provides Christian, family-centered comfort visits for children experiencing the anticipated or recent loss of a beloved animal. Through a calm, nurturing presence, faith-based encouragement, remembrance activities, and grief support, we help children honor their pet's life and navigate the journey of saying goodbye.
Our goal is not to rush grief away, but to create a safe space where children can remember, mourn, celebrate, and heal.
Our Mission
Little Hops of Light exists to provide compassionate Christian support for children and families facing the loss of a beloved pet. We seek to honor the sacred bond between children and their pets while offering comfort, hope, and gentle guidance rooted in God's love.​
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What Is a Pet Death Doula?
A pet death doula offers emotional, practical, and compassionate support before, during, and after a pet's passing.​
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For children, this can mean:
• Answering questions about illness, dying, and grief in age-appropriate ways
• Helping children express feelings through conversation, art, storytelling, and memory-making
• Supporting families during anticipatory grief
• Creating meaningful goodbye rituals
• Offering faith-centered comfort and prayer when welcomed
• Helping children understand that grief is a natural expression of love
Because every beloved pet leaves a little light behind
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."
Matthew 5:4
Our Services​
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Comfort Visits Before a Goodbye
​When a rabbit is elderly, seriously ill, or nearing the end of life, children often sense that changes are happening.​​
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These visits may include:
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Gentle preparation for what to expect
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Discussions about love, caregiving, and compassion
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Family support and guidance
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Memory-making activities
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Prayer and scripture reflection, if desired
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Creating special farewell moments
Memory & Legacy Activities
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Every pet leaves a unique imprint on the hearts they touch.
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Children may choose activities such as:
• Memory boxes and bracelets
• Tribute letters and artwork
• “Favorite Moments” storytelling
• Memorial keepsakes
• Prayer cards
• Celebration of Life ceremonies
comfort Visits After Loss
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​After a rabbit's passing, children may experience sadness, confusion, anger, guilt, or loneliness.
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Support may include:
• Individual or family grief visits
• Memory-sharing and storytelling
• Remembrance crafts and keepsakes
• Letter-writing to a beloved pet
• Faith-centered encouragement
• Age-appropriate grief education
• Follow-up support
Our Faith-Centered Approach
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At Little Hops of Light, we believe that God's love surrounds families during times of sorrow and loss.
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We honor each family's faith journey and offer:
• Compassionate Christian presence
• Prayer when requested
• Scripture readings appropriate for children
• Conversations about love, hope, gratitude, and remembrance
• Respect for differing beliefs and family traditions
Faith-based elements are always offered with sensitivity and according to family preference
For Parents
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Parents often wonder:
• "How do I tell my child our rabbit is dying?"
• "What if my child asks difficult questions?"
• "How can I help them cope?"
• "Should my child be present during euthanasia?"
• "How do we honor our pet's life?"
Little Hops of Light provides guidance and support for these conversations, helping parents respond with honesty, compassion, and confidence.
Why Pet Loss Matters​​​
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For many children, the death of a beloved pet is their first experience with grief.
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The loss of a rabbit may represent:
• The loss of a best friend
• The loss of a daily companion
• The loss of comfort and routine
• A child's first encounter with mortality
When children are supported through grief, they learn valuable lessons about love, empathy, resilience, remembrance, and healing.
Scripture for Comfort
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"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
Psalm 34:18
About Christi Eley's End-of-Life Doula Experience:
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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.
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Death Doula Training through INELDA (International End of Life Doula Association)
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Professional Experience in the Grief Counseling Department of Hospice
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Volunteer for Trellis Supportive Care (Hospice Home in WS)
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Certified Medical Assistant
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Many personal experiences with death from an early age, later father's cancer journey and the tragic murder of two family members.
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Student of Christian Contemplation with many retreats/workshops/courses.
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Celtic Anam Cara Training.
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Certified Yoga Instructor focusing on Meditation/Guided Imagery
