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About Us
Momo and Ella |
Ella Bittel, Holistic Veterinarian
Born in Germany, Ella followed her childhood desire to “help animals” by becoming a veterinarian. Now living and working
on the Central Coast of California, Ella has specialized in holistic modalities for over 20 years, among them veterinary acupuncture and chiropractic, cranio-sacral work, homeopathy, TTOUCH and energy medicine techniques adapted from Donna Eden, including work on the animals
aura and chakras.
When Ella’s dog companion of 17years, Momo, reached the end of her life, it became clear to Ella that none of her expansive training
in traditional nor complementary veterinary care had included any information on how to support an animal dying naturally.
This reflects how strongly the trend in modern societies is to keep the topic of death and dying out of our awareness, leaving us helpless
and unprepared once the situation occurs that one of our loved ones concludes their physical existence. For an animal family member,
this very commonly results in euthanasia being employed to end its life.
Her experiences with Momo passing naturally, and feeling that just like birth, the dying process is of inherent value and an important part
of an individual’s journey, led Ella to engage in animal hospice and create a weekend seminar for anyone interested in options in end-of
life care for our animal companions. Her vision, and the purpose of this website is that a volunteer network develops on a nation-and
worldwide scale, where people caring for a dying animal can find support by those who share their passion for hospice care for our
animal loved ones. Ella
Bittel graduated from veterinary school in Hanover, Germany in 1994. Certified
with AVCA (American Veterinary Chiropractic Association) 1998, with IVAS
(International Veterinary Acupuncture Society) 1999. Member of AHVMA (American
Holistic Veterinary Medical Association).
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Bunny Morrow, Administrative Assistant
Bunny grew up in California with a love for horses, dogs and all animals. She spent 35 years in product design and marketing, and
managing manufacturing businesses prior to becoming involved with SPIRITS in Transition. Bunny has been assisting Ella since 2002.
Bunny’s passion for working with SPIRITS in Transition is fueled by the magnificence of her own experiences in assisting Ella in
animal hospice care and thus being able to provide that assistance to her own dog.
In 2001 when Bunny’s then 12 year old Black Labrador, Swany, was diagnosed with laryngeal paralysis and the spondylosis in her
spine was worsening, Bunny agonizingly thought her only option might be to have Swany “put to sleep” to spare Swany the discomfort
of throat surgery and the back problems from aging. Bunny was referred to Holistic Veterinarian, Ella Bittel for acupuncture and
chiropractic which proved to be close to a miracle cure for Swany – her back and throat conditions improved immediately. Swany
did have successful throat surgery at age 13 and lived a full, happy life to the ripe old age of 16 when she died a peaceful, natural death.
How to aid Swany in her geriatric years, how to give hospice care to her and how to prepare for and celebrate her life and death are
the life changing gifts Bunny and Swany received from all that Ella and SPIRITS in Transition have to share. You can read more
about Swany in our stories section.
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Bunny and Swany |
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Matuq, Willow, Laura, and Ansel |
Laura Green, Support Coordinator
Laura has a life long love of all animals and has been a dog mom for 30+ years now. Long saddened by the widespread use of euthanasia as the solution for all
kinds of pet dilemmas, she was immediately inspired by Ella’s class offerings on hospice, seeing the chance to spread compassion for our animal friends. She
has a background in healthcare, teaching, massage therapy, Eastern religions, meditation, wilderness and outdoor sports. Her northern dog companions have
joined her in the mountains for skiing adventures every winter and the home where they live, Running Dog Ranch, has been the grounds for “Leash of Trust” dog
care/training. Genii the cat is presently chief of dog/cat relations; Ansel, a 15 year old German Shepherd, is the eldest member. Laura is working on animal
acupressure certification and studies in Tellington Touch. She hopes that through SPIRITS in Transition, we can share our love of animals in a way that expand
our options and our animals comfort in their twilight years, to the greater deepening of our hearts and minds in this journey.
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