Doga, yes that’s right, Doggie Yoga

So, I try to practice Yoga once a day. In reality, I’m a three-time-a-week practitioner, though sometimes my practice is only ten minutes. I had a meditation instructor who thought that ten minutes a day was a great start and I’m sticking to the philosophy. I feel terribly guilty doing yoga before walking the dogs; and since I can’t get up early, I have a minimal amount of time in the AM before I commence “Working From Home”. I have this great DVD with an AM and PM program and I lay out a festive beach towel in my bedroom, light a candle and push play. The dogs often like to be near me, particularly Heyduke, our loveable rescue who has no idea that he’s a Blue Heeler. He spent so much time at the pound that he thinks he’s a poodle; he prances and dances like one. He also loves to give hugs and be sung to. He’s the best listener out of our pack and certainly the favorite when we have guests over. Heyduke loves Yoga, or Doga as I’ve taken to calling it. Sometimes he practices with me (bringing a whole new meaning to “Downward Dog”) other times he just lays on the bed. I’ve noticed that during this time he relaxes and often doesn’t move a muscle or make a peep (he’s very vocal). He’ll lay on the bed stretched out or he’ll come onto my towel, er mat, and join me. It’s both adorable and annoying; sometimes I have to adjust so I don’t squash him. Other times it works very well, I do the plank pose over him and if I’m feeling really strong, I can give him a belly rub, enhancing the pose further. What’s really cute is when I’m in some laying down pose and he snuggles up next to me, eager to participate. What I can’t get over is his response to the soothing music and the calming voice of the instructor; it really has a great effect on my pup! I think there should be Doga classes where pups and owners practice together. Maybe I’ll start one at the Play On! Studio.