Dog Yoga Blog

Doga has connected me to people and dogs from all over the world. Here is a dogi from Ireland. Her name is Clara and her human’s name is Niamh. (Happy Birthday on Feb. 8 Niamh!)
Niamh is involved in helping Irish dogs find homes. Such a pleasure to meet Niamh and Clara online. Perhaps someday we’ll meet in person!

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Here’s a link to an article I wrote for Dogs Naturally Magazine:
http://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/magazine.html

Well, it’s not an actual article…but they mention my classes and my book! Sweet! (page 98)
Also did a photo shoot/class and an interview today for a Norwegian newspaper. They were very cool and I got to teach my class at the new studio. Loved it! It’s a good space with a good vibe.
First Doga class at Westside Yoga and Doga will be Saturday Feb. 6 10:30 am

This photo was taken a while back by Bev Sparks (note how nice my nails look, the back of my hair, however, is another story, see below)

Things I’ve learned about doing photo shoots:
-Make sure the back of my hair is combed.
-Do downward facing dog wearing photo shoot outfit before the photo shoot.
-Get mani/pedi ( I did not do this today and sure enough the photographer wanted a closeup of my hands on a dog, and horror of horrors he also did a close up of my feet which have been encased in boots most of the winter….except of course when teaching, then I’m barefoot, but no one is taking pictures of my feet during class, so whatever).
-Make sure all clothing tags, bra straps, and anything else that is supposed to be covered by main outfit is not exposed.
- And the big one….Do not be tempted to trim your own bangs the morning of the shoot.

Honey discovers a new use for Nelson in the back seat of my car. Personally I think Honey would make the better seat, she’s a little more plush and Nelson is very sinewy. But whatever works for them. I also have a photo of Gus sleeping on Nelson somewhere, but couldn’t find it.
Have a lovely weekend Yogis and Dogis!
xo, Brenda, Honey, Gus, Nelson

It’s been an exciting time working toward opening the studio. I’ll be scheduling a Barking Buddha Doga Teacher Training for this summer out of WSYD. Our website will be up in a couple of weeks: westsideyogadoga.com.

In the meantime I’ve been working with Nelson our latest energetic addition to the family. He was afraid of the yoga mat when I first put it on the floor, but then sat very quietly on the mat after I invited him over to be with me. I did some simple calming techniques and stretches and was amazed at how quietly and calmly my young, energetic pit bull terrier sat until I ended our mini doga session. Since I’ve been giving him the extra doga time he seems to focus on me more off of the mat. So sweet!
Well that’s all for now!
Have a terrific weekend,
xo,
Brenda, Honey, Gus and Nelson

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This is an adorable photo of my husband’s 99 year old grandma and her dog, Stella.
In Doga news, we are working toward the opening of Westside Yoga and Doga. The website should be up this week and we are planning to open January 18.

My student Jamie’s dog taking a nap on a yoga block, guess this dogi prefers a firm pillow.

The opening of my Yoga and Doga studio is official! We will be opening in The Morgan Junction of West Seattle in mid-January. Yay!
Weekly Barking Buddha Doga classes every Saturday. You can also get your regular yoga on with the same membership. My business partner, Kelly Page, not only rescues pitbulls, but she’s an amazing traditional Ashtanga Yoga teacher who studied in India under the guidance of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois.
I’ll be teaching regular people classes as well. Kelly is very traditional in her teaching and I am non-traditional but our heart and souls share a similar goal.
Eastsiders don’t despair, I have classes scheduled at The Seattle Humane Society for Jan-March and will continue to teach Barking Buddha Doga at the Bellevue location… check the H.S. website for deets. Happy Holidays!

Honey just turned 12! Tell her Happy Birthday in person this Monday at doga class: The Seattle Humane Society 11/30 at 7:00 pm.
I should have a Jan/Feb class schedule next week. I’m confirming a class location close to downtown. I’ll let you know as soon as I do.
Happy Weekend!