When Your Pet Rallies Before They Go: Understanding the Pre-Death Energy Surge

Jun 5

If you've ever been on the edge of saying goodbye to your beloved animal and suddenly witnessed a surprising burst of energy, you're not alone.

One day, they’re withdrawn, tired, and not eating. And then, next, they seem like their old self again, alert, joyful, even playful. It can feel like a miracle. It can feel like hope. And it can also be confusing, even heartbreaking, if you're already preparing for their transition.

As an Animal Communicator who has walked this road with many clients, and with my animals, I want you to know:
This is something real. And you're not imagining it.

A Final Gift of Love

It takes an incredible amount of energy for the body to begin the process of releasing the spirit. For many animals, this release doesn’t happen all at once. It unfolds often in small increments over time, like a tide slowly pulling back.

This rise and fall in energy, those “ups and downs,” are part of the sacred rhythm of a body going through the natural phases of the end-of-life journey. They occur throughout this period, marked by periods of highs and lows, with good days and bad days.

And often, but not always, there is one final burst of energy or clarity months, weeks, days, near the end. A rally. A moment where your pet surprises you by acting more like their old selves, and even like they have turned a corner.

This is known as a pre-death energy surge in hospice and end-of-life care. It’s well-documented, but when you’re in it, it can feel like a plot twist in the story you thought you knew how it would unfold.

After Their Voice Is Heard

I’ve witnessed this surge many times, both with my own animals and with family, and repeatedly in the animals of my clients. It can also occur after an end-of-life animal communication session, when the animal has had the opportunity to be heard and understood. This surge of energy or clarity comes when they’ve shared their needs, expressed their love, and felt truly acknowledged; something shifts.

Sometimes this moment comes days or even hours after their human has made the deeply tender decision to set a date for euthanasia. There’s a clarity that settles in, a sense of alignment. The decision, made with presence and love, lands in the heart, and the animal feels it. It’s as if their spirit gently says, “Thank you. I know you see me. I know you’re walking with me.”

And in that space of deep mutual understanding, the animal’s body may offer a brief surge of energy, presence, or ease. A flicker of their old self. Not because they’re getting better, but because the love has landed, and the next part of the journey can begin, side by side.

In those moments, their energy may briefly return, more vibrant and open. It’s not always physical. Sometimes, it’s simply a softer, more connected presence with them. Other times, it’s a full-on revival of eating, playing, walking, or wanting cuddles.

This rally can make you question yourself, but it's a sign of a sacred part of nearing their transition. A final blessing. A mutual acknowledgment of the deep bond you’ve shared. I have come to understand it as the animal’s way of sharing their celebration of life, relationship and time with you. Their hurrah for the chance to be with you.

A Note on the Biological Perspective

While deeply spiritual and emotional, this experience also has a biological side. In both human and animal hospice care, this is sometimes also referred to as a pre-death rally or terminal lucidity. It’s believed to be linked to temporary shifts in the body, such as a release of adrenaline or brief stabilization of internal systems, that can bring about a short-lived burst of energy or clarity.

It’s not a trick of the body. It’s simply part of the natural rhythm of the dying process. A biological exhale before the final release. For some, this may last minutes. For others, it may be hours or even a few days before they turn their final downturn. Whether physical or energetic, it remains a precious opportunity to acknowledge, savour, and connect before their final goodbye.

Embracing Uncertainty

The hardest part of this end-of-life journey is that there isn’t a clear line between “they’re doing better” and “they’re preparing to go.” I know your mind wants to find one. Everyone’s mind wants to find clarity and certainty when you feel the uncertainty of time, and your love and care run deep.

In this passage, you don’t often get certainty. What you do get is the chance to be present in each moment with your pet, and that presence is the only certainty you truly have, even when it’s tender and raw. It allows you to meet each moment as it comes, to notice what they’re showing you, and to dig deep into a level of trust you have yet to discover that you’ll know what’s needed when the actual time comes. This is the hardest time to allow yourself to surrender to the flow of each moment that comes while searching for your footing and being as present as you are able, not only in the unknown but also within yourself and your emotions.

If you are struggling with the uncertainty right now, try this:

Place one hand on your heart, one hand on your belly.
Feel the breath move underneath your hands.
Name three things you can see, three things you can feel and three things you can hear.
Let that help you orient yourself to the space you are in and what is real right now. You and your beloved animal are here, together, in this very moment in this space.

You’re not doing it wrong. You’re loving them beautifully. Just keep walking beside them, exactly as you are.

A Moment to Celebrate

When my Rottweiler, Bosphorus, was in his final hours, he too had this pre-death energy surge, and I commented- gosh, I understand why many are confused, as I too thought of cancelling his euthanasia. His rally was that he wanted to go on a walk, not the slow stroll he had done in the last year. But a walk with a bounce in his step, he walked ahead of me, and we went for a few kilometres. I was witnessing him reclaiming the joy and strength of his younger years. He was so happy and light that his energy was palpable. He made me smile. And I knew what this was, and although I had a twinge of sadness for knowing this was his rally, I knew he was celebrating our time and love.

It was his way of saying: “Look, I’m still me. I remember our adventures. I love you.”
It was what I call his last hurrah.

One dog I worked with told me it was his way of celebrating his love for his mom and dad, a final burst of presence, a final gratitude-filled thank you for his life with them.

If Your Pet Doesn’t Rally

Not every animal will have a visible energy surge, and that’s okay. I want you to hear this:

Whether or not your animal has this moment, their heart is always full of love and joy for you.
I’ve spoken with many animals who didn’t experience a surge, or had it early on, and they’ve all shared the same sentiment: deep appreciation, peace, and love for the life you had together. Their souls measure the time you have had together in love.

Trusting What You Know

If you’re in this space right now, watching, waiting, wondering, please be gentle with yourself.
The end-of-life journey with a pet can be emotionally and physically exhausting. These emotional highs and lows can leave you feeling raw. However, know that these ups and downs are preparing both of your hearts to reach a place where you can let go in love.

This burst of energy is not meant to confuse you. It’s clarity from their soul. It’s a sacred and soul-led part of the journey, especially as you near the end, and a way to help you prepare for the goodbye.

Let yourself feel the joy of their rally. Let yourself celebrate, cry, be present, and hold the love and the grief at the same time.

Love at the end is what holds your heart and your beloved animal as they transition.

I’m Here to Walk With You

If you're in this place now, or feel it's approaching, I invite you to receive support:

If you’re feeling pulled in a thousand directions by love, worry, and uncertainty about what comes next…You don’t have to walk it alone.

There are gentle ways to support yourself while staying connected with your beloved pet through the ups and downs of this sacred time.

Explore our workshops or work with me to learn new ways to deepen your connection and attunement with your pet and better support yourself and your pet.