Barking Buddha Doga

New Doga Blog!

2009-09-16T13:48:00.000-07:00

Yogis and Dogis, visit my new doga blog at: www.dogyogablog.com
And please be patient as I learn to navigate my way through wordpress...it's a little more complicated than Blogger, but will be better in the long run because I can post monthly schedules that will be easier to access and organize info that will be easier for you to find.

With much Love,
Brenda, Honey, Gus and Nelson

September Doga Schedule

2009-08-28T11:57:00.000-07:00

Hello Yogis and Dogis!
Here is the September Doga Schedule. I hope to see you all in classes this fall.
Also, good news, I've been talking to a friend, yoga teacher and dog advocate who is opening her own studio in a few months and wants to put doga on the schedule! This means we can have weekly consistent classes in Seattle. Hurray! Barking Buddha Doga will have a home! For you eastsiders I will continue to teach at and support The Seattle Humane Society for as long as they'll have me. Anyway, here is The September schedule:

Sunday: September 6th 10:00 am
Wednesday: September 23rd 7:00 pm

Both classes are located at The Seattle Humane Society. You may register at their website. Feel free to email me with any questions.

Have a lovely weekend!
Brenda, Honey and Gus (and maybe soon, Nelson)

New Family Member

2009-08-24T15:39:00.001-07:00

This is Nelson: Nelson's head shot

Nelson, smiling and being walked by the invisible man or a vampire (no one is holding onto the leash!).

I'm introducing you to Nelson because we are in the process of adopting him. I haven't actually met him yet (that happens this weekend) but my husband has met him and Mr. "Two Dogs are Plenty" is completely smitten and now wants a third dog. Who am I to argue about the magical connection we only come across when the time is right? We have been approved and now introductions must be made. The only way we won't take Nelson is if he doesn't do well with Gus and Honey. I won't have them stressed.

What we know about Nelson, according to the shelter and his foster parent:

Nelson has the face of a Pit Bull but the soul of a Golden Retriever, which can be very confusing to someone who looks mean but just wants love. (his tough look is one reason why he hasn't been adopted), personally though, I think he's very handsome.

Nelson was so calm and mellow in the shelter, that the shelter employees put the puppies in with him.

Nelson was found wandering on his own and although scared and shy at first, there was no biting or aggression during his rescue.

Nelson was on Alki beach (where we live) with his foster dad when he met my husband on the patio of one of our favorite dog friendly cafes. Nelson crawled up onto my husband Brad's lap and put his head on his chest immediately upon introduction. Our friend who was having a beer with Brad said "this dog is just like Honey". If that's the case, we will be very lucky to have him indeed. I'll keep you posted on the Nelson adoption!

And now in conclusion: A dog who would never scare anyone because she's too much of a furball: Belle

Belle (pictured above, working the cute) is an Atlanta dogi who belongs to future doga instructor Cathy. I know there are eyes in there somewhere, but she doesn't really need to see to help Cathy teach the class.

Until next time!

-Brenda

Doga at the Park

2009-08-17T17:46:00.000-07:00

Hello Yogis and Dogis!

I cannot believe it's been 10 whole days since I've written on my blog. I love my blog and should not neglect it! I'll try to do better, I always have so much I want to share, I've just been so busy with stuff lately. Any way...

The pictures above are from the Bellevue Lululemon class. So much fun! 18 people and 15 dogs in attendance ( we had a couple of cute family units with two yogis and 1 dogi sharing a mat). For some better pics go to www.dogphotography.com. You can view Bev Sparks pictures of the event from there.

Check back for class dates in September. I'm also doing warm-up stretches and a demo for The Humane Society Walk for the Animals event. I'll post deets in the next Doga Dish.

Also...I'm going to be switching to a word press format for my blog very soon, so I'll be able to keep an updated class schedule posted and all times as well as some other cool features I can't wait to share. Have a fabulous day!

xo,
Brenda, Honey and Gus

Lululemon Doga Class and Book Signing!

2009-08-07T08:13:00.001-07:00

Saturday! August 8. Meet at the Bellevue Square store at 9:00 am. We'll go to the out door area for playtime, class begins at 9:30

After class a book signing will be held at Lululemon, with treats provide by Urban Dog. Dog Photographer Bev Sparks will be in attendance to take pics of our dogis during class and afterward. This is a FREE class!

This Weeks Doga Dish!

2009-07-30T07:36:00.001-07:00

This 7-8 month old boy needs a home! Very sweet disposition. Likes cats and kids. Aussie Shepherd mix, so you know he's smart and can probably beat you at Trivial Pursuit.

Doga Class THIS Saturday! Finally! It's been about 3 weeks or more since we've had a class , in August we have a bunch of them lined up all around the Seattle area.

Saturday 8/1 Robinswood Park, Bellevue 10:00 am. Meet at The dog park area. Register at The Seattle Humane Society website.

Next Saturday 8/8. Lululemon, Bellevue Square, Meet at the store at 9;00 am, then we'll head over to the park for playtime and a class followed by a booksigning back at Lululemon.

Check out Barking Buddha's book review on Buzzine!

Have a lovely day!

Back on The Grid...

2009-07-29T13:23:00.000-07:00

The fabulous wolf ring I'm wearing in this photo was made by Seattle jeweler Kim Baker.

Hello Yogis and Dogis!

Yes...it's been a while. I had some recent events that kinda threw me for a loop, but after taking some time to consider, ground and hang out with one of my spiritual mentors for a day, I've regrouped.

I wanted to let you all know that August is chock full of Doga events beginning this Saturday 8/1 with a 10:00 am Doga class at Robinwood Park. Please go to the Seattle Humane Society website to register. There will be events/classes almost every weekend in August which I'll post in Doga Dish later today or tomorrow morning...just waiting for confirmation on some details.

Thanks everyone!

Much love,

Brenda

Love Now.

2009-07-16T12:26:00.000-07:00

I think dogs make us consider the impermanence of life and relationships more than having children or being married or being in long term relationships of any kind. It's because their lives are so short. When we get a dog we know this, when we decide to marry or have kids, the brevity of the relationship isn't as obvious.

My dog Honey is almost twelve, old for a dog, young and hopeful for a human. Sometimes when I'm with my family which includes my husband, Brad and my dogs, Honey and Gus, I'm overwhelmed by the reality that in 5 or 6 years or less my family could be completely different.

Sometimes I hug Honey and I say to her "don't ever leave me, I love you too much". I know this is an unrealistic request, even unfair, because dogs come into the world as healing beings ready to help humanity in their simple and profound way. Most of them settle into that purpose quickly because of their limited time on earth.

I really wouldn't want Honey to stay past her purpose or natural comfortable lifespan for me, even though the thought of losing her is devastating. But the lessons I can learn from the impermanence of having a temporary family that includes animals is to appreciate and love fully at every moment, not only my dogs and my husband but everyone that comprises my life.

Interview on The Dog Talk Show

2009-07-13T14:33:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday Yogis and Dogis! Click on the title of this post to listen to an interview I did last month on The Dog Talk Show. It was so much fun! Julie the host is super cool.

Have a Tail Waggin' Weekend!

2009-07-10T11:25:00.000-07:00

Click on the blog title to listen to the playlist.

"1. The Long Road - Eddie Vedder
2. Wonderful Life - Black
3. You Are The Sunshine Of My Life - Stevie Wonder
4. Oh Happy Day - Spiritualized
5. It Mek - Desmond Dekker
6. Moments In Love - Art of Noise
7. Blind (Full Album Version) - Hercules And Love Affair
8. Now That We've Found Love (Single Version) - Third World
9. Lucky Star - Switchblade Symphony
10. Snookered - Dan Deacon"

This Week's Doga Dish!

2009-07-08T11:10:00.000-07:00

Post doga class...in the zone. I'm totally serious here. This dog is relaxed. Relaxed can be subjective, but you should have seen him pre-doga. I loved this dog, what a great personality!

This week's doga dish!!

Saturday, 7/11: A reading from my book (here it comes)...Barking Buddha; Simple Soul Stretches for Yogi and Dogi at The Queene Anne Library in Seattle 3:00 pm.

Thursday, 7/16: Doga Class at All The Best, Madison Location Seattle 7:00 pm.

Saturday, 7/18: Book reading Montlake Library, Seattle 3:00 pm.

Friday, 7/24: Book Signing at City Dog Market in Atlanta, Georgia, 6:00 pm.
Saturday, 7/25: Doga Class at All American Boot Camp Fitness Studio, Atlanta, 11:45 am.
Saturday 7/25 and Sunday 7/26 Barking Buddha Doga Teacher Training Level 1, Atlanta, Georgia.

Saturday, 7/31 Outdoor Doga Class, Seattle, stay tuned for deets.

All you Georgia Peaches come on down and see me at City Dog Market. Meet the infamous Gus who will be accompanying me to Georgia in his deluxe carrier on the plane. Honey is too big to be in the cabin so she gets to stay in Seattle.

Wags and Cheers!
Brenda, Honey and Gus

Barking Buddha Doga in Women's Health Magazine!

2009-07-02T07:46:00.000-07:00

The July/August issue...page 32.

Sunshine

2009-07-01T18:07:00.001-07:00

Gus competing with small black dog for a treat.

Elise, me, Honey, Gus

I like that dress, I would wear that.

Black nose...check...pink-sticking-out-tongue...check...fluffy white fur....check, all the elements of cute right there.

I know my posts have been infrequent and without substance lately. But with the exception of my book launch evening (yup, windy and some rain) the weather in Seattle has been BEAUTIFUL! I just want to spend all my time outdoors. I'll step it up soon I promise!

Right now I'm heading down to the beach to try out my new vintage roller skate platform shoes. I have many posts in mind for the future...dogs of the week, tips of the week, doga dish. Patience my friends...the rain will be back...this is Seattle after all. In the meantime, enjoy the above pics from the book launch party.

Cheers,

B,H and G

Barking Buddha Doga Book Launch

2009-06-26T09:42:00.000-07:00

Gus, Me and Honey right before the party. I'm a little windblown, but us Seattlites are not a tender bunch... a little rain, a little wind, no problem! Thanks to everyone who helped and/ or attended the book launch. It was really fun and a memory I'll cherish. My FIRST BOOK! YAY!

P.S. Doga class this Sunday at the Seattle Humane Society, 10:00 am

This Weeks Doga Dish!

2009-06-23T14:43:00.001-07:00

I would totally teach Gus to surf if we lived near waves. This is so cool!

Please send good vibes to Snickers, she's in the hospital with a high temperature. Pictured above with her giant birthday bone, and below in doga class with mom, Jen. I heart Snicks! Get well soon!

Me at a book signing in Spokane. What am I doing on the floor you might ask? Well people always want me to show them some poses, which is all good and fine, I've never been intimidated by the floor. The dogs are obviously comfortable and relaxed. Just so you know there was more than one person there. It looks like I have a lone onlooker.

Not a huge crowd, but some folks stood around to observe me wallowing on the floor and to ask questions about doga and the book.

Take out the monocle or magnifying glass and check out the info above...My book launch party! So far about 200 peeps have RSVPed. And The Seattle Times mentioned it in the book events section as well as a mention in The Seattle Weekly.

Also...Check out the article I wrote in the summer issue of City Dog Magazine, complete with great photos by Jen Wynn.

And last but not least:

Class this SUNDAY, SUNDAY, SUNDAY! The Seattle Humane Society 10:00 am.

Hope to see you yogis and dogis at one or all of these fun events.

xo,

Brenda, Gus and Honey

Barking Buddha Doga Dog of the Week!

2009-06-17T10:23:00.000-07:00

Birthday Girl Lily! Lily's human is Elise owner of Seattle's Downtown Dog Lounge. She is 12. Lily has beautiful gray fur that does not give away her age.
Happy Birthday Lily!

Gus Watches the Sunset

2009-06-16T07:22:00.000-07:00

Lottie (Barking Buddha Doga's assistant to the executive assistant) reads buddhist philosophy with friend.

Gus watches the sunset from my front porch. He watches the sunset all of the time. Seriously, he really does.
And yes, I need to replace the dead flowers in that pot.

Have a fabulous day!

Spread the love!

-B

Stop Woofing, Start Walking and You'll be Wagging!

2009-06-15T09:59:00.000-07:00

Treat time for Gus and Honey at Dogs Dig It in Portland.

I had one of those weekends that contained lots of activity and not much dog time. I find when I don't spend quality time with Gus and Honey I feel I have to make it up to them with an extra long walk or a few more treats. Today I have so much to do, some due writing projects, some emailing, phone calls, the day to day of Barking Buddha Doga, which is really fun,but keeps me busy.

I have to breathe, calm down, focus and take it one task at a time.

So here's what I'm gonna do. It's a beautiful day in Seattle, I'm going to take my dogs on a walk. Being out in nature with Honey and Gus will serve many purposes...it gives them (and me) exercise, we all get some fresh air. Walking outdoors helps to ground me, takes me out of my head and put things into perspective and I get the dog therapy. It's win win. So if you're feeling overwhelmed...Take a deep breath, put the leash on your dog and get outside for a little while. You have the time, make the time. Everyone will benefit.

This Weeks Doga Dish!

2009-06-10T09:12:00.000-07:00

Down Dog at Dog's Dig It in Portland,OR. Fun and very full class. Ellie, the owner of Dog's Dig It took the Barking Buddha Doga Teacher Training in San Fran and will be starting classes in Portland in mid June. She's gonna be a terrific doga teacher! http://www.dogsdigit.net/

I just posted the dates and info for the next Doga Teacher training in Atlanta, Yup, Hotlanta in July. Go to http://www.barkingbuddhadoga.com/ under seminars for more info.

We had a great time at Yappy Days in Pacific City. I was THIS close to adopting the sweet little guy pictured below from The Tillamook Animal Shelter. A new shelter that needs lots of funding, much of our weekend was about helping them raise money for the dogs.

Dogs at my book signing at The Inn at Cape Kiwanda

Pictured below: Bogle at the beach. Bogle's mom, Peggy sent this to me. I like to call Bogle "Bogi the Dogi".

I'll be on The Dog Talk Show today at 2:00 PST. 1150 AM. Call in with questions and your chance to win a book...guess which book? That's right, my recently released book Barking Buddha; Simple Soul Stretches for Yogi and Dogi.

Shameless plugging almost complete...one more thing Book launch party with City Dog Magazine at Rock Bottom Brewery, Seattle on June 24 6-8. This event is of course dog freindly!

On a more serious note. On Saturday I attended a benefit yoga class for a rescue pitbull named Missy. (Thanks Kelly Page for setting it up and bringing awareness to the organization). Missy is lovely and is great with kids and animals and is in need of a home. http://www.dogsdeservebetter.com/

Thank you Yogis and Dogis! Let's continue to relax the world one dog at at time by spreading the love.

-Brenda, Honey and Gus

Barking Buddha Doga Tip O' The Week

2009-06-08T08:28:00.000-07:00

Photo by Julie Melfi

Dogs, dogs, dogs...The great companions, the healers, the playmates, the protectors, the family members, the partners. Inviting another species into our lives as a family member and somehow it just all works out.

We come to an understanding and even though we don't speak the same language we develop a language of our own, a way to communicate with a combination platter of words, sounds and gestures.

My dog Gus became cautious of the narrow wooden staircase leading up to the master bedroom after we removed the carpet. When he first began padding up and down the uncarpeted stairs, his little paws made a cute noise on the bare wood and I would imitate it as he would go up and down. The noise I made was something like a high pitched "boop, boop. boop".

Hey, I felt that eye roll! But I have a feeling that when alone with your own dog you have your own set of noises, baby talk and terms of endearment that would put my "Gus-padding-up-the-stairs" imitation seem pretty normal and not so bad.

Anyway...back to the story. So after making this noise a few times, not meaning any harm just having fun...something interesting happened. By making the "boop, boop, boop" noise while he was going up the stairs, I had accidentally trained him to take the stairs when I say "boop, boop, boop". I can be anywhere in the house and I'll hear him give a little bark at the bottom of the stairs and I can yell from the other room "BOOP, BOOP, BOOP!" and I'll hear him go up the stairs. It was one of those "oopsy" training moments.

I've been working on getting him to take the stairs without me making the noise and we're almost there, he only needs the cue occasionally now. I think the combination of the stairs feeling less stable under his feet than the carpet made him more susceptible to taking a cue from me and I've had to build up his stair confidence.

The "Gus and Stairs Incident" is just one of many examples of how cool and wonderous the possibility of communication is with our dogs. Whether it's accidental, or we consciously train our dogs to understand certain words or symbols, the communication we share with our dogs is unique to our relationship with them. The more observant and mindful we become, the better communicators we will be and our relationship to our dogs will benefit as well as our relationship to those other beings we share space with...the human being.

Barking Buddha Doga Tip of The Week: Dog T.V.

Sit quietly and observe your dog then write down your observations. Did you notice anything new or different? Did you learn anything, a fresh insight or idea? Bring your observations into your next training session or playtime to help you get the most out of time spent with your dog.

Let me know how it goes.

Doga Teacher Training 2009!

2009-06-05T07:03:00.000-07:00

I just posted the teacher training info on the website www.barkingbuddhadoga.com under seminars.

The training includes; poses, lesson plans, sequencing, cross species teaching, trouble shooting, getting started and more. It's not necessary to have your dog with you at the training.

This training takes place in Atlanta in the Brookhaven neighborhood. The dog community has been really great in helping me set this up. A book signing at CityDog Market (thanks Renee!) and Mari from American Boot Camp Fitness is letting us use her studio for the class and the training ( it's right down the street). A portion of the proceeds from the public doga class will go to The Atlanta Humane Society (they don't know yet, I need to contact them).

I'm going to post a really cool tip of the week and dog of the week later today/tomorrow so check back.

xo,

Brenda

Doga June Schedule

2009-06-02T08:19:00.000-07:00

Yogis and Dogis!

I have so much to share. But it's gonna have to wait until later, because a have a full day of teaching people yoga classes.

Just got back from book signings and doga classes in Portland and the Oregon coast. More about those good times later. I realized I needed to post the June class schedule. The class load for summer is a little lighter, and we're gearing up for outdoor classes starting in July. Here's the June schedule:

Both classes will take place at The Seattle Humane Society:

Sunday June 7, 10:00 am

Sunday June 28, 10:00 am

And don't forget the Barking Buddha Doga Book Launch and the City Dog Magazine 4th Anniversary party on June 24th, Rock Bottom Brewery 6-8.

This Week's Doga Dish!

2009-05-28T21:03:00.001-07:00

Barking Buddha Doga has aquired an executive assistant named Elizabeth. Elizabeth has two dogs...Jack and Lottie. Lottie is pictured above in her Mountain Pose in Montana where Elizabeth has been on vacashe.

Me signing a book for little Josie at my book signing last night. I love teaching kids about dogs. I'm hoping lots of kids come to the library events I'm doing next month!

Signing a book for Ruby. What do you think of my glasses? New red frames for summer.

The book signing went swimmingly. I talked about the benefits of doga and the book, answered lots of questions then attempted a couple of poses in my 4 inch heels. Like I said...swimmingly.

Tomorrow the dogs, Brad and I head down to Portland to do a signing and class at Dogs Dig It. Then it's over to the Pacific City, Oregon for Yappy Days for more signings and classes on the beach. Yay!

Barking Buddha Doga Book Signing

2009-05-26T07:55:00.000-07:00

Wednesday May 27th 7-9 pm
Third Place Books, Lake Forest
Bring your dog!
17171 Bothell Way NE

Barking Buddha Doga Tip of the Week

2009-05-21T11:35:00.000-07:00

Puppy Child's Pose.
This pose brings your heart close to your dog, both physically and metaphorically. Take a few deep breathes in Puppy Child's pose and open up to the healing qualities of the relationship between you and your dogi. Notice your dog's breathing, energy and beating heart. Focus on the beautiful simplicity of these things and relax.

Barking Buddha Doga....Absolutely!

2009-05-19T09:28:00.000-07:00

Here I am at my booth selling my wares at The Oregon Humane Society event. I had to get up really early, note all of the coffee cups littering the table.

I've been doing some interviews lately because of my book release. Here's a link to one from Pet life radio http://www.petliferadio.com/.

Please don't get annoyed that I kept saying the word "absolutely" like a zillion times. It's like my brain developed an unnatural and uncontrollable love for the word "absolutely" and I had no power over it. Why does that happen? I've noticed other people do the same thing during interviews and I'm always thinking "why can't they use another word to describe that, why do they keep using the same word?" Now I know. It's not in their control, I call it S.T.O.O.W. syndrome, or Stuck On One Word Syndrome. Anyway...Have an ABSOLUTELY fabulous day!

xo,

It's All About the Love

2009-05-16T09:19:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I happened to be home during the Oprah Show...not always the case my schedule gets crazy some days. Anyway the subject was the human animal bond.

They started the show with a story about prisoners who are part of a service dog training program. This segment was a real tear jerker. These big tough guys were talking about raising and training puppies to be service dogs for veterans. Most of them became emotional and were crying as they talked about how the dogs helped them discover love and compassion, emotions and feelings they had buried so deeply they thought they would never feel them again. It was incredible, and poignant and so right on!

This is the underlying theme of my doga philosophy. The possibility of the relationship with our dogs opening us up to deeper feelings of love, connection and compassion. Even if we are capable of feeling these things already, our dogs can help us expand these feelings to a deeper level of connection to everything around us. Our dogs also bring us so much joy and happiness, and I always say if we are truly happy and joyful we are in the most spiritual place we can be.

Yoga stills the fluctuations of the mind, Doga starts the fluctuations of the tail

(i'm gonna put this on my next t-shirt order, what do you think?)

XOXO,

Brenda, Gus and Honey

Doga at The Oregon Humane Society Doggie Dash

2009-05-13T10:38:00.000-07:00

She's a big girl, but I lift with my legs. And check out those adorable armpit wrinkles (on her, not me.)

Gus takes his turn at Super Dog Stretch.

I would not let Gus borrow my sunglasses, so he had to squint into the crowd.

"Hello Portland! Are you ready to rock!"

Pictures by the very talented photog. Julie Melfi. Check out her website: http://www.juliemelfiphotography.com/

I returned from Portland Oregon on Saturday evening after a full day of Doggie Dash. The Doggie Dash supports The Oregon Humane Society so I was happy to be involved.

The pictures above are from my Barking Buddha Doga Demo. Working with dogs has taught me to go with the flow, so when I realized I had to maneuver the poses while holding a microphone, I just approached it with no stress or trepidation. How has your dogi taught you to go with the flow?

Honey and Gus seem to accept most situations I put them into, and they make the best of it. Like the one pictured above...they weren't nervous at all about being in front of a crowd, they were super excited to roll in the green grass that made up the stage. They only paused in their grass enjoyment briefly to let me demonstrate the poses.

We can learn a lot from the way our dogs go with the flow and make the best of a situation, either by presenting us with a new perspective or the way they're just fully present with the joy of the moment. Let's all challenge ourselves to go with the flow of life and enjoy it the way our dogs do... instead of struggling with a microphone in front of a large group of people, a simple roll in the grass will do just fine!

Barney Does Doga

2009-05-11T18:19:00.001-07:00

My friend Chantale emailed me this photo of her friend's dog, Barney joining in the home Yoga class. No mat required.

2009-05-07T16:19:00.000-07:00

Pics from Doga last night. The class theme was gratitude. A nice class with a wide variety of dogis, from lil' Sophie pictured on the right to Streaker the Greyhound, pictured with the glowing eyes. Streaker's eyes don't glow in real life, that would be kinda cool, and maybe a little scary. Streaker has a quiet strength and a soft personality that matches his dainty doe-like features.

I grow so attached to the dogis!

Also pictured with a single glowing eye and a lot of fur is new dogi, Otto. Otto seemed to take to doga right away and really enjoyed upward facing belly pose.

Yogi Peggy's dogi, Bogey (say that five times fast), my sweet little footstool of a Cairn Terrier, was also in attendance. I love that little guy! Little Lottie was there working the cute like nobody's business. Anyway can't wait for the next class, our theme will be "Letting Go".
P.S. Thanks to Lottie's human Elizabeth for taking pictures!

Doga Class Tonight!

2009-05-06T08:17:00.000-07:00

...At The Seattle Humane Society. Starts at 7:00. Come join the fun!

Barking Buddha Doga Tip O' The Week

2009-05-04T11:45:00.000-07:00

Go outside and play! Discover a new park, a patch of grass, a different neighborhood. Enrich your dogi's life by taking her/him somewhere they've never been. It's good for our dogs to experience stimulation to the senses and intellect and it's easy to do this simply by taking them to a new place. It's also good for us to break out of routine and to mix it up a little. That's your tip...let me know what you discover.

Wiener Dog Wednesday!

2009-04-29T09:14:00.000-07:00

I pilfered these photos off of my friend Chantay's facebook photo album...she doesn't know yet.

The spotted W.D. in the middle picture (Jooky) was in a doga demo at a Humane Society event. Her performance went swimmingly.

Have a Happy Wiener Dog Wednesday!

2009-04-28T07:25:00.000-07:00

With my book coming out in a few days, I've been super busy. Booksignings, demos, dog events. Lots of fun stuff coming up. Oh and I am working on the next teacher training as well, TBA by next week!
One fun thing coming up at the end of May is Yappy Days in Pacific City, Oregon. It's a dog festival at Inn at Cape Kiwanda. I'll be teaching two doga classes on the beach as well as doing a signing and I get to be a judge for the dog contest. There will be a lot of other fun dog activities as well so if you're in the hood come on down...it's only about an hour and a half out of Portland. Hope all is well for all you yogis and dogis out there! We love you and appreciate your support!

XO,
Brenda, Gus and Honey

Barking Buddha Dog of The Week: Jinxi!

2009-04-23T16:40:00.001-07:00

Jinxi searching for wild game amongst the grass blades in my back yard. This week's dog is little Jinxi. Jinxi , a shibu/ chihuahua mix, hails from a kill shelter in California and ended up with her dads via Ginger's Pet Rescue here in Seattle. Jinxi is a small dog with a HUGE personality.
I sometimes dog sit Jinxi and she has attended doga classes with me. I usually do the class with my two dogs on the mat with me and thought three would be a little crazy, but she took to it right away, no problemo.
Such a natural little dogi that she and her human, Darren, are two of the models in my book (prepare for the shameless plug about to take place) Barking Buddha Doga; Simple Soul Stretches for Yogi and Dogi.
Jinxi loves to cuddle and sleep with her head on your pillow. She also knows the power of cute and demonstrates with her meerkat pose up on her haunches which gets her almost anything she wants from those who aren't on to her. I heart Jinxi!

Barking Buddha Doga Tip of the Week; Super Dog Stretch Part 2

2009-04-20T19:39:00.000-07:00

I find the practice and poses in doga to be more organic than in a people yoga class...and more so with our larger canine companions. The small dog poses in doga are kind of a no brainer, with the lifting and the balancing. Because of this it can feel more challenging to incorporate the larger dogis into the practice. But really it's just a matter of looking at what you want the pose to accomplish and then modify accordingly.

For example, in Super Dog Stretch you can certainly lift your large dogi if you and your dog are in good physical condition. But if your dog is too heavy or if she's relaxed lying on the mat and it just doesn't seem right to make her stand, you can figure it out. Remember the goal. Super Dog Stretch is stretching the legs from the armpit and also, depending on where the human is in the pose it can be a spinal twist or side waist stretch (see previous post from last week on Super Dog Stretch for deets). So for your big dogi , an option could be to reach under the arm (leg?) pits and massage or stretch outward. No lifting required, there are a couple of other modifications you could do as well but I won't be too long winded. Big Dogi owners...Let me know how it goes.

Bear,Wolf,Dog

2009-04-20T13:49:00.000-07:00

(image from MopCity News) I spent some time this morning meditating with one of my spiritual teachers (she'll probably never read this blog, she doesn't do computers) anyway she shared with me something about the close genetic relationship between bears and wolves, how they split off and then eventually dog came into being and became our companions, protectors, workers, healers, friends, family. I love the image of the dog/wolf/bear. What a beautiful trilogy.

I can see and understand the wolf/bear thing in both my small and my large dog. Small dogs can have a personality big as a bear but large dogs can resemble them more physically, and we all of course can understand the wolf relationship, the pack order, ect.

Respecting where our canine companions have come from enables us to understand them better and appreciate how connected they are to the natural world (I'm smiling right now because I'm picturing a pack of wild pugs roaming the woods in cute little sweaters) . Even though many dogs have been specifically bred to be companion animals, they still have, somewhere in them the organic earth-connected nature of the wolf and maybe the bear.

This is one reason why I teach my classes organically, there is structure, but room for the dogs to be dogs and for the relationship between human and dog to grow in understanding of one another.

The organic nature of doga can allow us to move beyond the rigidity of ego or another way of thinking and harnessing the strength of the bear, the bravery of the wolf and the love of the dog in order to be grounded and open to our own creativity in life and enhance our relationship to our canine companions.

Live, Love, Play!

Barking Buddha on The Seattle Humane Society Blog

2009-04-17T08:43:00.000-07:00

Nice article on The Seattle Humane Society P.I. blog. Click on the blog title above to link to the article.

Barking Buddha Doga Tip of the Week: Super Dog Stretch

2009-04-15T09:10:00.000-07:00

This is Sucia in Super Dog Stretch. I love this picture because Sucia looks like a puppet or some 1/2 human beast.

To do this pose make sure you engage your core before lifting. You can do this pose from a squat, lunge or kneeling position. This pose is a nice stretch for your dogi's front legs. It is very important to do this stretch from the armpit (or legpit?) rather than midway on the leg, which can be uncomfortable and not safe for your dog. Also be mindful of your dogi's age, physical condition and spine length when doing this stretch. You can also lean slightly or turn slightly to the right and left, giving you dogi a gentle spinal twist.

Twists are good for toning the organs and promoting spinal flexibility and health. There are large dog variations of this pose but you'll have to come back tomorrow for those.

Hey that's not Super Dog Stretch! True. The above picture is Bugsy at class on Saturday. He's so fun and one of those loud breathers (in doga, corpse pose can get loud, or Roll Over and Relax Pose as it's called in Barking Buddha Doga)...also high energy, but really calm during class, which continues to impress and amaze. I have these high energy breeds come to class and during the playtime at the beginning they're crazy, then on the doga mat... calm. Love it!

Barking Buddha Quote of the Day (and a cute picture of Snickers)

2009-04-14T13:45:00.000-07:00

When the heart is right, "for" and "against" are forgotten.

-Thomas Merton

2009-04-10T12:33:00.000-07:00

Please view the photos in the link to the article provided in the media room at www.dogyogablog.com

Here are the pictures from The New York Times article on Doga. I'm trying to ignore that the wide angle lens the photographer used kinda squishes my already small stature and makes my bicep look as meaty as a honey-baked ham. Vanity aside, the photographer did an amazing job capturing the sweet expressions of the yogis and dogis attending this class.

I generally don't read a lot of commentary from articles written about doga and me...and the negative comments I do come across don't really bother me, like I told my husband, my youth prepared me to be a controversial adult. Not that I had a bad childhood or anything, but I've never been afraid to move forward with a new idea and often times new ideas freak people out and make them afraid. That's o.k. that's their thing.

Anyway, I felt bad for the poor teacher mentioned in the article who taught with treats and a stuffed animal. If you're out there struggling doga teacher...email me! I never allow treats during class and the dogs always get playtime before and after the class to run around socialize and sniff butt. This also gives me the opportunity to notice and keep an eye on any aggressive or dominant personalities so I can nip any problems in the bud. Anyway the article was really nice and it was terrific to be included. They also included one of my teacher trainees from Chicago Kristyn Caliendo, she attended my teacher training seminar last fall in San Fran.

Well I didn't quite get to the tip of the week today...maybe tomorrow.

Don't forget tomorrows class at The Seattle Humane Society, 9:00 am! As always, a very generous portion of the class proceeds goes toward the ongoing efforts of The Seattle Humane Society.

Barking Buddha Doga in The New York Times!

2009-04-09T08:22:00.001-07:00

Check it out online in the fashion and style section. I'll provide the link and some pics and comments later today.

Doga Class Schedule Change

2009-04-08T14:29:00.000-07:00

Hello Yogis and Dogis!

I accidentally scheduled our West Seattle class on Easter Sunday.... Oopsy! We will instead be meeting at The Twilight Artist Collective Gallery for Barking Buddha Doga class on Sunday the 19th at 5:00. The class theme is gratitude. Looking forward to seeing you all then!

If you need a doga fix before the 19th, I'm teaching this coming Saturday, the 11th, at 9:00 am at The Seattle Humane Society.

Also...Don't forget to tell your friends with puppies to sign up for the new Puppy Doga series at The Downtown Dog Lounge beginning at the end of the month. Taught by yours truly along with dog trainer Cora Wittekind. We'll be focusing on basic commands and basic doga poses along with some leash training. Cuteness will abound, so stay tuned for cute puppy pics from the classes. Tomorrow (or maybe Friday :)) I'll be posting The Barking Buddha Tip of the Week, so check back. Hope you have a fabulous day!

XO,

Brenda, Honey and Gus

Puppy Doga Class Begins Next Month!

2009-03-25T16:33:00.000-07:00

Puppy Doga is Here!

Join Barking Buddha Doga instructor, Brenda Bryan and Downtown Dog Lounge Dog Trainer, Cora Wittekind for a class designed especially for puppies.
Puppy Doga is a three week series. The classes will cover basic commands combined with basic doga poses including massage and calming techniques. Teach your pup to sit, stay and more as you strengthen the human/dog bond with your puppy.
Puppies must have first round of vaccinations and be under 1 year of age. Puppies under 14 weeks must have permission of instructors.
Email me to sign up!

Barking Buddha Doga Tip of the Week

2009-03-23T14:19:00.000-07:00

The Side Body Squeeze

A few years ago, pre-doga, I was listening to a story on NPR about an autistic woman who discovered that hugging or gentle squeezing was very calming to her hyper-sensitive nervous system. She actually built a squeezing machine to gently squeeze her entire body. The squeezing machine seemed to have a soothing effect on her super sensitive nerve endings.

I must have filed the information from the story in the area of my brain that's marked "someday could be useful" because I recalled the squeezing machine story at the oddest time...years later in a one on one doga session .

I was teaching a young, energetic and dominant dog and her human one afternoon. The dog wasn't settling down and I was pulling all the calming tricks out of my doga magic hat, but nothing was working. Then, the "someday might be useful file" opened up and lit the idea light bulb above my head (ding!).

Here's what I was inspired to instruct the dogi's "mom" to do:

I had the her place her hands wide, full palm and fingers, on either side of the dogi's shoulders and firmly, gently and confidently squeeze inward (not too hard)...move a few inches down the side body and squeeze again...move a few inches, and again....all the way to the hips. She did this while breathing consciously,calmly and deeply. And guess what? It totally worked!

I used "the squeeze" again in another class with more yogis and dogis and later had a student share with me that she used it on her dog out of class as an effective calming tool in a stressful situation.

So wherever the squeezing machine lady is today, I thank her for being the inspiration for The Side Body Squeeze. Let me know how it works on your own dogi!

P.S. Remember with any calming tool we use, our own intention and calm energy is very important in the success of soothing our keenly observant and sensitive dogis.

Breathe and be confident.

Barking Buddha Dog of the Week: Marble

2009-03-20T15:09:00.000-07:00

This week's dog is available for adoption! She is coming all the way from Bangkok (remember Tonto from a couple of months ago, another Bangkok rescue?) She comes from a rescue organization called SCAD. Jen and Snickers our local yogi and dogi foster dogs from SCAD. Email me if you are interested in adopting this beautiful girl and I'll put you in touch with Jen and I'll give you a gift certificate for some free doga! Here's the info:

Date of Birth:
Late September 2008

Gender:
Female

Breed:
Mixed (some English Setter features)

Weight:
14-16 kg (31- 35lb) when grown

Background:
Marble was born in the playground area of a temple school in a busy suburban area of Bangkok. The children and teachers fed her and she is very used to human attention. A loose pack of friendly adult dogs also live in the area, although it is unclear if Marble’s parents are amongst them. The area surrounding the school is overcrowded with stray dogs, so living conditions aren’t always favorable. Marble’s lovely nature made her a good candidate for our adoption program.

Features:
Marble has a long silky coat, mainly white, with black markings on the head and ears and a large black patch on her left side and another on her right side nearer to the shoulder. She has an abundance of black spots dotted throughout her coat. She has floppy ears and sweet tan ‘eyebrows’. She carries her waggly tail high. Medium level grooming is required.
Character

Marble is a playful and confident pup, eager to join in with puppy games and she interacts well with people. She enjoys attention and loves cuddles and toys. Shows good social skills with pups and adult dogs, and is very motivated by food.

Location:
SCAD Rehoming Center, Sukhumvit 71 (soon to be in Seattle w/ Jen Rosenbrook)

Health:
Good

Neutered:
Yes

Vaccinated:
Course underway

Yoga Poses vs Doga Poses

2009-03-18T22:07:00.000-07:00

Lately I've been asked specifically about Barking Buddha Doga, and recently about the names of the poses. Here's the answer I gave to a yogi from Texas (thanks for the email Brittney!):

I created the names of the poses, like Woofing Warrior, Camel Rides Dog, and the Muttley Mudras in order to incorporate the dogis fully into the practice, so instead of just practicing yoga with your dog, you are partnering with your dogi to do doga. The name of the style I teach is called Barking Buddha Doga. It's a heart opening practice I created as a way to use the love and connection we feel for our dogs as a catalyst to a broader connection to all things...union...which is actually what yoga means.

It's a bit nontraditional in practice but quite traditional in theory. Whether or not we use a traditional method to obtain a connection to the divinity within or we use a less traditional path doesn't matter. Discovering union to self, love and what divinity means to us as individuals, that's the goal. What makes life so much fun are the choices we get to make as we travel down the path toward our individual goals of becoming better humans in a better world.

Stay tuned...coming Friday: The Barking Buddha Doga Tip of the Week

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2009-03-17T07:48:00.000-07:00

April/May Barking Buddha Doga Schedule

2009-03-16T16:19:00.001-07:00

The Next Barking Buddha Doga class is Saturday April 11, 9:00 am at The Seattle Humane Society

The next 3 week Seattle Humane Society Series Begins Wednesday, May 6th at 7:00 pm. I'll confirm dates and times at other locales and post soon.

"No Name" Chooses Name, Animal Communicator, and Doga for Puppies

2009-03-13T14:33:00.000-07:00

Remember "No Name" (pictured below) from L.A.? Well his new name has been chosen!
"No Name's" name is (drum roll please) : Cayden!! Thanks to everyone who sent in a suggestion.

This looks like a fun event this weekend:

The Dining Dog Café & Bakery
Imagine a sweet bistro, white linen table clothes and a wonderful menu all for your dog! Dorothy Moore is your hostess of The Dining Dog Café' & Bakery in Edmonds, home of gourmet healthy food, just for that special pooch in your life. Ordering from the menu is just the beginning of the fun, as the dogs gobble down their appetizers and beg for more! The prices are low, the desserts are delicious and lovely to behold. Join Penelope for your doggy communication on Saturday, March 14th from 3-5pm for a special event price of $10 for 10 minutes. (You may request more time if you like.) Please call to reserve your diner spot and session time.This is one of my favorite places to take my dog! He loves the food and begs for those liver cupcakes! Streaker rates The Dining Dog 4 Paws Up!RSVP at (425) 314-4612 The Dining Dog Café & Bakery9635 Firdale Ave, Edmonds WA 98020Open Thursday-Saturday 3pm-7pm Reservations Requested, they fill up fast!

Penelope Jensen, animal communicator will be there. I had a reading with her for Honey and Gus and she was really accurate. She'll be attending my next Barking Buddha Doga series at The Seattle Humane Society in May. (still confirming the dates) If you're interested in getting a reading for your own dogi, here's her contact info: penelopejensen@comcast.net.

Also in the news...I'm putting together a Doga for Puppies series along with Downtown Dog Lounge Dog trainer Cora Wittekind. I'll keep you updated.

Happy Weekend!

xo, B, G and H

Barking Buddha Doga class 3/5

2009-03-11T18:27:00.000-07:00

Handsome Harry working that St. Patrick's day scarf. Sashay!

Treat time with Jen.

Bogey and his mom's legs (Peggy)

Jen loves giving out treats at the end of class. Honey on the far left seems a little surprised by the butt sniff from Sam. You think they'd be used to it by now.

Class was so much fun last week at The Humane Society! I enjoyed teaching about allowing our dogis to help us work through recession stress.

Look for Doga news and the current schedule in tomorrow's post.

xo,

Brenda, Honey and Gus

Chantale with a playful and delighted Beans (I was Bean's nanny when he was a baby).

More treats for the dogis.

W party ect....

2009-03-09T12:21:00.000-07:00

Honey tells a story, Brad and Gus look on, amused.

Our friend Gary with Gus and Brad and I looking like we're going to sink into the couch. Gus looks like he's getting ready to move on to another lap (he likes to sit on as many as possible at these social events).

Gary tries to entice Gus to stay with a neck massage. Looks like it's working.

Pictures from the City Dog Valentine party at The W.

Also...interesting article from Slate on "Man's First Pet". Guess what it was? Duh! A dog!!

Here's the link:

http://www.slate.com/id/2213121/?GT1=38001

Tonight's Doga is Cancelled

2009-03-08T11:32:00.000-07:00

The gallery accidently double booked and is painting the doga space. We just only realized the scheduling mishap so apologies! We're on for next month though! See you then or at one of the other classes about town.

Wags in Whistler B.C.

2009-03-06T11:38:00.001-08:00

I mentioned earlier in the week that I was in Whistler for a long weekend. I left Honey and Gus at home with our friend even though our hotel was dog-friendly. Whistler in general seemed to be very dog-friendly, I saw dogs everywhere which made me miss my "kids" even more. Though I must mention that although I saw dogs everywhere I rarely saw them indoors (the dog in the above pics being the exception). I saw many dogs tied up outside in the cold and snow, which may be fine for them, but not for my 11 year old Honey and forever-baby Gus.

I always miss them so much when I travel without them. Sometimes they do come along but I always factor in how busy I'll be, how I'm getting there, where I'm staying, border issues, all of those things, then I decide if they would have fun or be more comfortable at home. This time I chose to leave them at home.

So when I travel without them, by day three I get a little dog-love starved and have to engage with every friendly dog I see. The above dog is Kaya, she was in a ski store and belonged to one of the employees. While my freind shopped for gloves I got on the floor to love and play with Kaya (sometimes I have no shame when it comes to dogs). I loved that Kaya was so friendly and part of the store sales team. I also liked that her owner trained her to sit by making a fist. That's a new one for me. Anyway, I'm back home now with my dogs plus one (still baby-sitting Stinker, who happens to be next to me snoring this very minute).

Last night's class was so much fun. Looking forward to this weekend's classes:

Sat. 1:00 Downtown Dog Lounge

Sunday 5:00 Twilight Gallery

Happy Weekend!

xo,

B, G, H, S

Barking Buddha Doga Tonight!

2009-03-05T16:02:00.000-08:00

7:00 pm at The Seattle Humane Society

Tonight's theme: Allowing our dogs to help us through recession fear.

See you tonight!

Barking Buddha Dog of the Week: Stinker!

2009-03-04T09:21:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted in a few days because I was up in Whistler B.C.
The morning after I returned, Stinker (aka Quinby) was dropped off at my house for some dog sittin' while her mommies are in Hawaii. Stinker's real name is Quinby, but at this point she answers to Stinker since everyone has been calling her that for a while. I'm not really sure why she's nicknamed Stinker because she doesn't stink, but she does snore....loudly.
Despite keeping me up because of her snoring (it seemed to bother my husband more than me, at one point I told him to pretend that it was me snoring, because rumor has it that I sometimes snore) I love Stinker and think she has loads of personality.
I chose Stinker to be this weeks dog because, well, she's here with me and because I've been watching a cool transformation over the past few months as my friend has learned to work with her.
My friend hasn't been around a lot of dogs but has adopted Stinker into her life after she began to date Stinker's mom. Stinker's mom works full time and my friend is a self-employed artist so she spends a lot of time with Stinker. They walk with my dogs and me a least once a week and it's been fun watching my friend learn to work with her and develop a relationship. And they kinda look alike because they are both long-legged with wavy red hair. Very cute.
Thanks Snoring Stinker for being our Barking Buddha Dog of the Week!

I'll be bringing Stinker to doga this week so I'll let you know how it goes. She's really energetic for a 9 year old and if I can't find someone to do the class with her that will mean 3 dogs on my mat. Good times!

Barking Buddha Doga in Germany

2009-02-27T09:10:00.000-08:00

Picture above is from the German Pug magazine Mopscity News (is Mops German for Pugs?)

Today the interview I did for a German Pug Fancier magazine came out. The magazine is called Mopscity News and I can't read it (it's in German)but the pug pictures are adorable. I only got the PDF and in German so I won't post it until I can figure out a way to translate it. I tried an online transaltion website but it didn't work very well for this. If anyone out there speaks German or would like to look at cute pictures of pugs, here's the link: www.mopszeitung.de

In the meantime next week we have 3, that's right THREE doga classes to choose from:

Thursday March 5 The Seattle Humane Society, 7:00

Saturday March 7 The Downtown Dog Lounge, 1:00

Sunday March 8 Twilight Artist Collective Gallery, 5:00

Happy Weekend!

xo,

Brenda, Honey and Gus

Name This Dog!

2009-02-25T14:21:00.000-08:00

Hi Yogis and Dogis! Today I present to you a newly adopted German Shepherd. This handsome creature was adopted by my dear friend's Brian and Todd of Los Angeles, Ca. They, however cannot come up with a name for him.

So we ask you to please help out a poor nameless dog and submit a possible name for him.

Here's what we know about Lil' Nameless:

1. He's male.

2. He's a German Shepherd.

3. He's a big baby.

4. He's probably a good listener (look at those ears!).

5. He's as handsome as his daddies.

If you are up for this challenge submit your choice of name in the "comments". I'll be posting Nameless's (?) new name as soon as it's chosen.

Thanks for your help!

Current Class Schedule

2009-02-24T14:20:00.001-08:00

Alright Yogis and Dogis, here you go:

The next class is this Thursday, Feb. 26, 7:00 at The Seattle Humane Society.

Next weekend you have a choice between Saturday or Sunday, or why choose! Come to both!

Saturday, March 7, 1:00 at The Downtown Dog Lounge.

Sunday, March 8, 5:00 at The Twilight Artist Collective Gallery.

Looking forward to seeing you all there!

Get Happy

2009-02-20T09:24:00.000-08:00

A playlist to begin the weekend with a little sunshine, despite what the actual weather may be outdoors.

"1. Oh Happy Day - Spiritualized
2. What A Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong
3. Here Comes The Sun - Nina Simone
4. Three Little Birds - Bob Marley
5. Golden - Jill Scott
6. In The Name Of Love - Bob Sinclar
7. Make Someone Happy - Jimmy Durante
8. Swinging On A Star - Bing Crosby
9. Sunshine - The Upskirts
10. Get Happy - Ella Fitzgerald"

My Inner Dog

2009-02-18T08:15:00.000-08:00

My inner dog is a large, white German Shepherd mix with big, dark, watchful eyes.

A benevolent and serene alpha.

My inner dog is protective of her pack, and always cares for them as they know she will, just as she knows her alpha, an esoteric force, will always care for her. There is nothing to consider, it just is.

My inner dog doesn't waste time worrying about tomorrow or even the next second but allows life to unfold with her. Because of this, my inner dog will never have trouble sleeping or napping in the sun.

My inner dog never concerns herself with dieting or the latest fashions, her thick, snow-white fur is her favourite and most timeless outfit.

My inner dog is not self conscience about playing and running with wild abandon.

My inner dog watches and notices, she's a keen observer of emotion and minute expression, almost to the point of being psychic.

My inner dog gives and receives love fully which allows her to live every moment sincerely and honestly from the heart.

In many ways, my inner dog is a better person than my outer human so my outer human strives to be more like her inner dog.

Checking In

2009-02-17T15:01:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the short post today, I teach all day on Tuesdays so I don't have much time. I'll write something more substantial tomorrow. In the meantime enjoy the comic...

Barking Buddha Doga Tip of the Week

2009-02-13T10:36:00.000-08:00

Variety is the spice of life. About once a week I try to vary my dogi's diet by either making their food or adding something different to their regular kibble. It seems to really invigorate them and make them happy.

You can vary your dogi's diet easily without a huge time commitment. Keeping in mind your canine's allergies, weight and food sensitivities you can add a variety of healthy options to their food.

When adding something new to your dog's diet, do it in small amounts so as not to upset their digestive system.

Some options:

minced carrots or peas

rice

chicken or veggie broth (makes the vegetables more palpable for picky eaters like Gus)

fish or flax oil (good for the coat and skin)

shredded cheese (a nice treat for the dogi who isn't struggling with her waistline).

nutritional yeast powder or flakes (I've heard this helps in preventing fleas).

There are many other options as well, but remember the list of Harmful foods (never feed these to your dog!) :

Harmful Foods include:

Raisins

Chocolate

Onions

Garlic

Grapes

Foods that many dogs are allergic to include:

Wheat

Soy

Beef

Corn

When feeding your dog, just remember if it isn't good for you, it's probably not good for them.

Do research online or ask your vet if you have questions about dog nutrition.

I offer a dog food recipe in my upcoming book Barking Buddha; Simple Soul Stretches for Yogi and Dogi.

City Dog Party at The W

2009-02-10T18:55:00.000-08:00

Love this! Thanks Jen for sending it to me!

City Dog Valentine Party!

Wednesday Night 2/11 at The W Hotel

6:00-8:00, Dog Friendly

Honey, Gus and I will see you there!

Lap Dog

2009-02-09T12:40:00.000-08:00

My dog Honey has taken to sitting with me in my meditation chair every morning. It used to be that she would come up only occasionally and instead seemed to prefer to lie down on the big cushion I put next to the chair just for her comfort. Honey is almost 50 pounds so she's quite a lap full. My smaller dog, Gus usually takes the lap. But for some reason they've decided to swap. Gus on the cushion and Honey on the lap.

This new trend began last week. I'm not sure why. Almost every morning I make coffee and sit in the chair in my yoga room/office to write and meditate...mostly to set an intention for the day, month, year, life and every once in a while become inspired. I don't mind Honey sitting on my lap, she's really plush with her velvety coat. I use her like a furry lap desk, resting my notebook on her back as I write. Maybe it's her way of helping.

I wrote a blog entry a couple of weeks ago about a dog's ability to evolve spiritually, a concept I'm still giving a lot of thought to. Honey is almost twice Gus's age and has always had a gentle and knowing nature about her. I think she is a little more evolved than Gus because she's been with me longer and she's older. She's always had a little more focus and her energy has become really in tune with mine over the years. I've been going through some shifts and changes not bad, not good, maybe good, probably good...but change which can be unsettling and slightly uncomfortable. If she is more in tune and a little more spiritually evolved, it would make sense that she would insist on being close to me while I meditate and write, and Gus also being in tune in his own dogdom takes the cushion on the floor instead of the lap he ALWAYS prefers.

So they work it out, as part of my support system, as my colleagues, as my family. They have always helped me in my work and this is just them doing what they have signed up for. But it still amazes and touches me to witness dogs just being dogs. Always so natural and poignant in their loving nature as our healing companions.

Barking Buddha Doga Promo Video

2009-02-05T12:25:00.000-08:00

Check it out on You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6rO6ck_N5U

Notice that Gus and Honey are sleeping through the poses. We were filming during their morning nap time so they were all tuckered out. Also, I sure am a slow talker in this! What's up with that? All the yogis and dogis look great though and it was so nice of my students to come down to help out, some even had to take time off of work to do this, thanks!!

This Weeks Doga!

2009-02-04T18:37:00.000-08:00

Feb. 7 Saturday 1:00 Downtown Dog Lounge, Capitol Hill

Feb. 8 Sunday 5:00 Twilight Artist Collective Gallery, West seattle Junction

Let's relax the world one dog at a time....

The Now

2009-02-02T10:56:00.000-08:00

Stillness. The energy of the earth moves about me. I remain still. My dog is next to me, she snores resting in the contentment of a peaceful nap. I rarely understand this contentment, but today I do. My mind is expanding, not spinning, what a huge difference between the two! Calm and still, no past, no future, only now.

I feel that I am where I am supposed to be in every sense of the way. This very moment is full of contentment, joy and gratitude. An overflowing cup whose time and manifestation is the future. But there is no anticipation, I will be right here relishing this beautiful moment, experiencing the future and its incredible mystery as I become part of the moment that is.

In this place of clarity, I can be anywhere and anything. I imagine that I'm walking through a sunny, warm meadow, my faithful dog by my side as always. The flowers bloom beneath our feet and I can see them in front of us, beside us, feel them under our feet. Fragrant and exquisite, full of possibility. This moment is perfect and each moment that follows will be as it should be.

Barking Buddha Doga in The Seattle Times

2009-02-01T11:40:00.001-08:00

photos by: BENJAMIN BENSCHNEIDER

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/pacificnw/2008680295_pacificpyoga01.html

We're mentioned in The Seattle Times in an article about Yoga, click on the link above for the full article. Hurray for Doga!

Here's the Feb. Schedule:

Sat. Feb. 7, 1:00 Downtown Dog Lounge on Capitol Hill

Sun. Feb. 8, 5:00 Twilight Artist Collective Gallery in West Seattle

Thurs. Feb. 26, 7:00 The Seattle Humane Society

Barking Buddha Dog of the Week....Partner!

2009-01-30T12:36:00.000-08:00

Partner the Plush Puppy!

This week's dog is once again a puppy.

Partner is 9 weeks old and lives in Atlanta, Ga.

He's a coon hound and belongs to my friend and doga enthusiast, Holly.

Check out those wrinkles and jowls! Who can resist them! Partner is working on his outdoor peeing and not jumping up on his humans. Honey and Gus would like to let Partner know that he'll figure it out soon enough.

Thanks for the cute pics Holly!

Barking Buddha Doga Tip of the Week

2009-01-27T21:18:00.000-08:00

The world has seemed a little unsettled lately, so much fear and panic. So much change. The economy, the government, the energy of the earth and it's inhabitants have come to a challenge and a call to stand strong and courageously.

It's important not to allow the fear of others be your fear. Stay grounded. Love, live, play, be grateful. Your dog can help you with these things. Begin by using this simple Barking Buddha Doga meditation:

Sit quietly with your dog. Place your hands on your dogi and allow your heart to open with feelings of love and gratitude. Fear is the absence of love. Let your dog help you feel love by first connecting to the love you have for her or him. Let these feeling s wash over you. If panic or fear arises, let it move through you by using the mantra " breathe in love, breath out fear". Continue to connect to the love you have for your dog as you change your mantra to "breathe in courage, breathe out fear". Feel deeply and honestly from the heart. Whatever happens you have this wonderful fur being right by your side. Continue to allow these feelings to wash over and through you until the fear and panic subsides. Now think of five things you are grateful for and feel the gratitude from your heart. Thank your dogi for her assistance in your clearing of fear and go out and play...don't forget a treat for your dog and also remember... The world is a beautiful place made more beautiful by the love we share with the people and animals around us. There is always posibility, there is always love, and your dog is here to help you remember those things.

Peace,

Brenda, Gus and Honey

Yoga's Gone to the Dogs. Article in The Bellevue Reporter

2009-01-26T09:39:00.001-08:00

Barking Buddha Doga instructor Brenda Bryan and her sidekick, Gus, demonstrate the ‘Flying Dog’ pose.
Lindsay Larin/Bellevue Reporter

Yoga's gone to the dogs
By LINDSAY LARINBellevue Reporter Staff Writer Jan 23 2009, 1:00 AM

Gus and Honey sit perched on a yoga mat, ready to begin a DOGA class. The four-legged companions of yoga instructor and massage therapist Brenda Bryan have quickly become pros at mastering poses like the Wheel Barrel and the Super Dog pose.
Bryan and her two furry friends teach Barking Buddha Doga, a traditional form of free flowing yoga for dogs and their owners.
Classes are taught at the Seattle-King County Humane Society in Bellevue, at the Twilight Artist Collective Gallery in West Seattle and at Downtown Dog Lounge in Capital Hill.
The concept of yoga for dogs came to Bryan two years ago while she was massaging "models" prior to a runway show. The models strutting their stuff just happened to be dogs as part of a Seattle Humane Society fashion show event that took place on Fourth Avenue in front of Hotel Monaco in Seattle.
"The massage helped to calm the dogs prior to the show and helped them relax in the midst of all the chaos," Bryan explained. "I love supporting Seattle Humane Society's causes. They are a wonderful organization."
While chatting with a representative from the Seattle Humane Society following the fashion show, the idea of combining massage and yoga practices with dogs came about.
"The representative asked if I would be willing to teach some classes at the Humane Society in Bellevue and I said yes right away," she said. "I mean, what a wonderful idea. For years, I had to shoo my dogs off my yoga mats when I practiced at home, now they would be joining in."
She began slowly, by rolling out the yoga mat and practicing different moves with her pups while using massage techniques to sooth and calm them.
"It only took a short time for Gus and Honey to get a handle on it," she laughed. "Now they hog the yoga mat."
Bryan adopted Gus, a small-mix breed, from a shelter in Blaine. Gus is now six years old and eager to help demonstrate his best Doga moves. Eleven-year-old Honey is 1/2 Boxer, 1/2 Shar Pei, which Bryan describes as a little wrinkly, a lot sweet. Both dogs act right at home on the yoga mat.
Doga welcomes dogs of all sizes, ages and breeds. Each class typically runs 45 minutes to an hour and covers a brief play time, various poses, massage techniques and meditation.
"In my current series at the Humane Society I have a four-month-old puppy, a 14-year-old dog with arthritis, and everything in between," Bryan explained, who said each class consists of roughly four to six students and their dogs.
She begins each class with a run-around play time to help the dogs get aquatinted with one another and the space.
Little research has been done to determine the benefits of yoga and dogs, but Bryan remains confident in the practice.
For weeks, Bryan's dog Honey was chewing on the skin above her hips. Bryan assumed it was some type of allergic reaction or a case of sensitive skin that is often found in the Shar Pei breed.
Finally it dawned on Bryan to try massaging Honey's lower back and hips to ease any discomfort or pain due to her old age. She massaged Honey's lower back and led her through a few gentle poses. Honey stopped chewing at her skin and has since appeared to be feeling better, said Bryan.
"Doga benefits dogs just like it benefits people. They benefit from the stretching and massage and lets the owner connect with their dog in a very focused manner," she explained. "My theory on dogs is that they open us up to a deeper level of emotions that we can use as a catalyst for a true connection to ourselves and others."
Bryan encourages dog owners to practice Doga poses and meditation practices at home on a regular basis. A Doga guide called Barking Buddha: Simple Soul Stretches for Yogi and Dogi, written by Brenda Bryan will hit bookstores in May and is currently available for pre-sale on Amazon.com.
"You can do a little bit of Doga every day and the dogs will love the attention," Bryan explained. "We certainly spend a lot of time with our dogs, but we are usually busy doing other things. It becomes more meaningful if you take the time out to focus on them and there needs."
For more information on Barking Buddha Doga check out Brenda's blog at www.brendabryan.net.
Upcoming Class:
Barking Buddha Doga - relaxing the world one dog at a time
Jan.7-21, 7 p.m., three-week series. Humane Society, Bellevue.
Lindsay Larin can be reached at llarin@bellevuereporter.com or at 425.453.4602.
Bellevue Reporter Staff Writer Lindsay Larin can be reached at llarin@bellevuereporter.com or 425-453-4602.

Barking Buddha Dog of the Week: Bolshoi!

2009-01-23T13:40:00.000-08:00

This week's dog is actually a puppy, our youngest dogi ever at just 4 months! Bolshoi is a Shepherd, Shar Pei, ect. mix.

Here he is pictured with his human, Anna and above with some friends from doga class (Snickers, Mia, Honey).

I think Bolshoi looks very adult in the picture with his friends and for such a young guy he was really well behaved in class.

Very bright, a quick learner and a lovely disposition. For now he's light enough for many of the small dog modifications in the doga poses but we'll have to adjust those to big dog poses as he is growing larger by the minute. Such a pleasure to have in the Seattle Humane Society Doga Series. Thanks Bolshoi, I'm looking forward to watching you grow into a full size dogi!

Doga Class

2009-01-22T19:50:00.000-08:00

Wait for it...

Yes! Treats!

Wednesday night at The Seattle Humane Society

Call to Action! Dogs Need Your Donations in Everett

2009-01-22T07:49:00.000-08:00

Officers raid puppy mill, 'astounded' by filth
One of the rescued dogs peers from his new cage at the Everett animal shelter.

YouNews™
Story Published: Jan 18, 2009 at 1:29 PM PST
Story Updated: Jan 19, 2009 at 7:13 AM PST
By KOMO Staff
Watch the story
Warning: Story contains graphic material.
GOLD BAR, Wash. - Officers rescued 155 dogs and several other animals found living under ghastly conditions in a puppy mill operation so horrific that it shocked even veteran animal control officers, officials said. A citizen's tip led officials to the residence, in the 43000 block of May Creek Rd in Gold Bar.
Photo shows exterior of the residence where the puppy mill operation was found.After obtaining a search warrant, deputies and officers raided the property, where they found many of the dogs stuffed inside small crates and pens overflowing with urine and feces, investigators said. Several dead puppies also were found in a freezer, and two dead dogs were found elsewhere on the premises. Eighty-seven of the dogs were living in a converted attic.
Adult dogs and puppies were found living in crates and small pens filled with large accumulations of feces and heavily soiled shavings, said Vicki Lubrin of Snohomish County Animal Control Services.
Officers said the odor from the feces and urine was so overpowering it could be detected well outside the residence. A large commercial dumpster stood in the yard overflowing with dog waste.
Medications and used syringes, used to treat sick animals, were found scattered in front of pens and in a refrigerator.
Most of the dogs were heavily matted, covered with their own feces and saturated with urine. Investigators said many dogs had open sores on various parts of their bodies and all were covered with fleas. Several dogs had tumors and other abnormal body conditions.
Officers found a variety of small breed dogs: Yorkshire terriers, rat terriers, West Highland terriers, Chinese crested, pugs, dachshunds, Pekingese and mixed breeds sold as "designer dogs."
Also found were six large dogs - a Labrador and Doberman tightly squeezed together in one crate, a Rottweiler, a mastiff and two boxers.
Altogether, officials found 155 dogs, four cats and three parrots - all living in inhumane conditions.
"Even the most experienced officers on site were astounded by the size of this puppy mill operation and the filthy conditions in which the dogs were kept," Lubrin said in a statement.
She said a detailed breeding plan was found posted on a wall inside the residence.
Lubrin said puppy mill puppies are often sold to unsuspecting buyers with hereditary defects, chronic illnesses and disease. The females are bred over and over again, producing litter after litter of puppies until they either die or can no longer breed and are disposed of.
The facility was operating in violation of Snohomish County commercial kennel regulations, Lubrin said.
All of the animals were removed for care and feeding and a veterinary medical assessment. The dogs, cats and birds are being cared for at the Everett Animal Shelter.
The final disposition of the animals is not known at this time, Lubrin said. The investigation continues and will be referred to the Snohomish County Prosecutor's Office for review. No arrests have been made at this time.
The rescue operation was a joint effort by Snohomish County Animal Control Services and Snohomish County sheriff's deputies on Friday night.
Lubrin said the cost of seizing and treating the animals rescued from these conditions severely impacts the budgets of all responding agencies.
She said anyone wishing to donate dog food or money for medical expenses to the Everett Animal Shelter's nonprofit agency, ARF (Animal Rescue Foundation), may do so by calling 425-257-6000 or coming to the shelter in person at 2732 36th St., Everett.

Please do what you can to help.

Blessing

2009-01-21T15:22:00.000-08:00

A man brings his dog to be blessed at the San Anton church during the feast of St. Anthony, Spain's patron saint of animals, in Madrid, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2009. The feast is celebrated each year in many parts of Spain and people bring their pets to churches to be blessed. (AP Photo/Paul White) Just came across this on the 'net. Jezebel.com to be exact. Quite the fashionable outfit, those European dogs really know how to work a scarf.

Gus received a blessing from a Franciscan monk at The Seattle Humane Society "Walk for the Animals". Very nice to bless the beasties. I think though that we are blessed just having them in our lives.

Here's the Feb. Barking Buddha Doga class Schedule:

Sat. 2/7 Downtown Dog Lounge, Capital Hill 1:00

Sun. 2/8 Twilight Artist Collective Gallery West Seattle Junction 5:00

Thurs. 2/26 The Seattle Humane Society Bellevue 7:00

Let me know if you have any questions.

xo,

B, G & H

soul puppy

2009-01-19T17:43:00.000-08:00

I always make a playlist to listen to when I'm working on a writing project. I find if I turn on the same playlist everytime it gets me in the mindset I need to continue a project, kinda like Pavlov's dogs. I hear the music, I write. Here's the playlist for the new book I'm starting. This playlist is called Soul Puppy. The playlist for my current book (which will be released in May) is called Procrastination. Enjoy the tunes (I can't be held responsible if you get up and dance)!

soul puppy: "1. Get Up (I Feel Like Being A) Sex Machine, Pt. 1 - James Brown
2. If Anybody Gets Funked Up (It's Gonna Be You) - George Clinton
3. Mercy - Duffy
4. Teenage Kicks - Gene Drayton
5. Beggin' (Original Version) - Madcon
6. Tighten Up - Bamboos
7. Can I Get A Witness - Dusty Springfield
8. Peace Love Not War (K Dope Mix) - Johnny King
9. Memphis Soul Stew (Single/LP Version) - King Curtis
10. Chain Of Fools - Aretha Franklin
11. Tighten Up - Archie Bell & the Drells
12. Snatching It Back - Clarence Carter
13. Tramp - Otis Redding & Carla Thomas
14. Walking The Dog - Rufus Thomas
15. Hold On, I'm Coming (LP/Single Version) - Sam and Dave
16. I Can't Stop Dancing - Archie Bell & the Drells
17. Can You Monkey Do The Dog - Rufus Thomas
18. Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In) - Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings
19. Detroit City Soul - The Thrillers
20. Superdance - Jackie Lee
21. Sock Some Love Power To Me - Lee Rogers
22. 100 Days, 100 Nights - Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings"

Barking Buddha Doga Tip of the Week: Sacrum Release

2009-01-17T10:57:00.000-08:00

This week's tip came about because of my dog, Honey's skin condition. She's 1/2 Shar Pei and 1/2 Boxer so her skin can be sensitive because of the Shar Pei. I typically know what she's having an allergic reaction to, but I was stumped.

She was doing the typical things she does when she 's having an allergic reaction, gnawing her hips, butt and tail. I went through the usual list; wheat? no. flea eggs? no. soy? no. beef? no.

Finally through an enlightening conversation with a friend we figured out that her low back/sacrum could be bothering her and just like we would administer self-massage to a sore neck or low back she was chewing on her low back to try to relieve her discomfort.

So this is what I did to release her sacrum:

-Place both hands on your dog's low back, the sacrum is the large, flattish bone at the base of the spine before the tail.

-If you can feel it gently hook your fingers on either side of the sacrum if not just place your hands in the general area (remember intention is everything). Gently wiggle your hands forward and back as you massage the sacrum with your thumbs. If this is too much for your dogi a loving hip massage could be nice.

- It should only take a couple of minutes, dogs seem to respond very quickly to healing work so don't over do it.

- Move the work to the entire hip, by making gentle circles using your entire hand on the hip area, then brush your hands down the legs.

-Smile at your dogi (they love being smiled at) and give her a treat.

The good news is, I did this a couple of times and she stopped chewing. Let me know if this works for you.

Barking Buddha Doga News

2009-01-14T11:07:00.001-08:00

Hello Yogis and Dogis!

Here's some recent happenings:

Handsome Harry officially turned 14 on Saturday! Happy Birthday Harry!

Mickey Rourke thanks his dogs during his Golden Globes acceptance speech. Aawww, so sweet!Click on the link below to hear it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZgXZ21-xro

Barking Buddha Doga tonight at The Seattle Humane Society 7:00.

Obama is deciding between a Labradoodle and a Portugese Water Dog to join his family. Click on the link from Bark Magazine to see the video and read the article:

http://www.thebark.com/content/obama%E2%80%99s-dog-dilemma

Have a fabulous day!

Hugs and Wags,

Brenda, Gus and Honey

Barking Buddha Dog of the Week: Zuri!

2009-01-12T15:17:00.000-08:00

Zuri with her mom,Linda.

Last week's BBDOTW this week.

Zuri is a 2 year old German Shepherd. She's one of my most faithful dogis, who attends almost every class no matter where it's held. Although for some reason she tends to favor the Downtown Dog Lounge even though it's the noisiest and most distracting venue.

Zuri's mom calls her "wild and crazy" and Zuri has had a few wild and crazy moments in class and has exhibited a little protective behaviour over her beloved doga mat. But I've watched her demeanor mellow quite a bit as she continues to come to classes. Linda has also noticed positive changes in Zuri since attending doga. Hurray! Doga is so new I'm thrilled to begin to hear from regular students about the benefits and lasting effects of the practice.
Anyway our Zuri LOVES the beach, long walks, candle lit dinners....I kid, I kid... but she does like the beach, long walks and also coming to doga.
Thanks Zuri for being such a devoted dogi! See you at the next class!

BFF's

2009-01-08T07:55:00.000-08:00

Here's a cute video sent to me this morning about a dog and an elephant who are best friends:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjyb0t5Jm44

Wish me luck shooting the promo video today!

Today's Doga

2009-01-07T10:00:00.000-08:00

I'm happy about tonight's doga class at The Seattle Humane Society. I'll look forward to seeing regular yogis and dogis as well as meeting new ones. I MUST remember to bring a camera!

Monday I met with my book editor and I'm excited to say the book is about ready to go to final printing. It's been a fun learning process. The book is very accessible to new and seasoned yogis alike.

Tomorrow we're shooting a promo video to send out along with the press packs. Stuff like that is really fun because I ask my friends and regular students to participate and it's usually pretty laid back. I don't get nervous doing things like that since I was once told that everyone is looking at the dogs not the people. It's my version of picturing an audience in their underwear to stave off nerves. I tell myself that everyone is looking at the dogs and not me. So far it's worked out well.

I'll be posting the Tip of the Week and The Dog of the Week on Friday and into the weekend.

Also...don't forget in addition to the class tonight at 7:00, I have a class at Downtown Dog Lounge this Sat. at 1:00 and On Sunday at 5:00 at The Twilight Artists Collective gallery in West Seattle.

XO,

Can Dogs Evolve Spiritually?

2009-01-04T16:47:00.000-08:00

We dog-sat a friend's dog over the holiday season. Quinby, also lovingly known as Stinker, is a 40 pound Spaniel. Nine years old with a lot of puppy energy. Good with other dogs and all people, very easy to be around. And although this description almost sounds like I'm trying to find her a good home or a date, it's actually leading into something I've been thinking about.

Quinby is really easy, but not always really focused. Her learning seems to be more instinctive and less focused or decisive. And even though all dogs are loaded with instinct, I've noticed a look in the eyes of certain canines. It's focus, the little wheels are turning trying to figure it all out, watching very closely. And then dogs like Stinker just flit about and do what will get them the treat or the praise. I'm not saying that one kind of dog is better than the other, it's just a different kind of personality and doggy energy.

While almost every dog wants to do what it takes to get the treat, some dogs appear to be more in tune with the situation. This doesn't mean they are any less heart openers or healing forces than their more focused furry friends. All dogs are these things. Again, maybe it just means they're on a different energetic vibration.

The focused dogs seem to tune in more intently to the human vibration and more easily. I think dogs can learn to focus in on this kind of energy as we work with them and grow with them on an energetic and spiritual level. Which means dogs may be able to evolve spiritually like humans but in their own dog way. Spending time doing activities with our dogs that require complete attention and/or intention like training, meditation or doga can help you and your dog evolve into more focused beings. As you gain more of an ability to really tune in to each other and your surroundings, perhaps together you can evolve as you walk down your own path toward increased spiritual awareness.

I've really been thinking a lot about the spiritual evolution and energetic vibration of dogs and humans so don't be surprised if I write about this again this coming week. Happy Sunday.

xo,

Brenda, Honey and Gus

Barking Buddha Dog of The Week...Happy B-day Tonto!

2009-01-02T16:29:00.000-08:00

Tonto with his new BFF, Snickers.

Jen said Tonto has been getting used to this much colder climate with the help of a new sweater.

Tonto is our dog of the week. It was Tonto's birthday yesterday, he's one. Tonto is a dog from Bangok and was rescued by SCAD http://www.scadbangkok.org/ Please visit the link to find out more about the rescue efforts of SCAD.

Tonto is currently being fostered in Seattle by Snickers and his mom, Jen. For those of you following this blog, you may be familar with the big in size and heart dogi... Snickers.

Happy New Year and Happy Birthday Tonto!

Happy New Year!

2008-12-31T13:29:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

May 2009 be filled with happiness, love, inspiration and lots of fun.

xo,

Brenda, Honey and Gus

P.S. here's a cute holiday dog video that was emailed to me this morning...Thanks Jen!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUtPKbMwnRo

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-26T11:29:00.000-08:00

Hope all you Yogis and Dogis are doing well and having a fantastic holiday! I'm taking a holiday blog break, but will start posting most days by next week.

Here's the upcoming schedule:

January 10. Saturday, 1:00 pm Downtown Dog Lounge, Capital Hill

January 7- January 21, 7:00 pm, 3 Week Series. Humane Society, Bellevue

January 11. Sunday, 5:00 pm Twilight Artist Collective Gallery, West Seattle Junction

Barking Buddha Doga Tip of The Week

2008-12-17T14:26:00.000-08:00

Surrender.

As we approach the Winter Solstice, even though our lives may be filled with holiday activity, take some time to surrender all of the stress and worry that may be preventing you from fully participating in the joy and playfulness of the season. Surrendering allows a sense of ease and peace. Instead of desperately grasping, open your hands and loosen the grip a little...or a lot. No need to white knuckle your way through the holiday season. Allow yourself for just a moment to not be caught up in the collective fear or your own concerns. Is it really going to help to worry and be afraid or is it going to add to the energy of fear? You can surrender this or any other kind of stress by being perfectly present. Worrying about tomorrow won't make things better today. Work on making right now the best moment it can possibly be. That's how you can begin to surrender, being perfectly present right now.

Doga Pose for Surrender is:

Roll Over and Relax Pose. This is physically an easy pose. Let your dog lie down on the floor with you, like in the picture above, place you hand on your dogi. To help keep you in the moment and keep the mind from worry, focus on you dog's breathing, the inhales and the exhales, notice the rhythm of your dogi's breath as it compares to the rhythm of your own breathing. Don't over analyze, just notice. Don't go to sleep. After you feel relaxed, repeat the mantra: "I am simply present, like (insert you dogi's name here)" Stay in the pose for as long as you like.

The City Dog Magazine party at The W

2008-12-15T16:07:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays!!

Dogis and Yogis with Santa Dog

2008-12-15T12:27:00.000-08:00

After class last weekend we posed with Santa Dog at The Downtown Dog Lounge.

Here's a schedule for January:

January 10. Saturday, 1:00 pm Downtown Dog Lounge, Capital Hill

January 7- January 21, 7:00 pm, 3 Week Series. Humane Society, Bellevue

January 11. Sunday, 5:00 pm Twilight Artist Collective Gallery, West Seattle Junction

VPP (vice pres pup)

2008-12-15T12:17:00.000-08:00

Photo Linda Shaw AP

I wish Biden would've adopted a rescue puppy, but the expression on his face is so sweet and the puppy is so cute I can almost forgive him.

Barking Buddha Dog of the Week...Handsome Harry!

2008-12-12T13:42:00.000-08:00

14 year old Harry and his mom, Angela.

Harry at 14 has still got his game on.

You go Handsome Harry!

I post frequent pictures of our local elder Dogi, Harry, because he's such a handsome character and devoted dogi. His mom Angela got him from a shelter when he was 8. His previous owners were under the impression that he was a trouble maker. But Angela and I know differently. Harry just needed to be appreciated for the great dog that he is. He's always a pleasure to have in class, a good boy who displays more energy than dogis' half his age. I heart Harry! Thanks Harry for being you and for being our Barking Buddha Dog of the week!

Barking Buddha Doga Tip of the Week

2008-12-10T12:05:00.000-08:00

At last! My dog blogging dream schedule is dog of the week on Fridays, tip of the week on Mondays. But sometimes life just happens and I get a little off the dream schedule and on my really busy or procrastinator's schedule. This week was a little of both the busy and the procrastinating. So with out further a do...I present to you The Barking Buddha Doga Tip of the Week (drum roll please).....

Ear Massage!

This stimulates the acupressure points in your dogi's ears.

With your index finger and your thumb and make little massaging circles around the periphery of your dog's ears. Begin at the base of the ear and go all the way around. Take your time, breathe and use a healing intention as you work the pressure points. Time depends on size of the dogi's ears. I had a basset hound in class and this took a while, with a chihuahua, you can do it pretty quickly. Some dog's have sensitive or ticklish ears so use pressure accordingly. After you go around the edges of the ears, you can massage the entire ear, this is said to have a calming effect on our dogs. Enjoy the tip of the week and let me know how it goes!

Barking Buddha Doga Philosophy

2008-12-09T13:56:00.000-08:00

I posted the BBD philosophy a few months ago, but wanted to post it again for the newer visitors to the blog. Also, apologies for not posting the tip o' the week yet. Tomorrow, it will be up, I promise!

Barking Buddha Doga Philosophy

Traditional Yoga is all about Union. Union is about connecting to the divinity in all things.Dogs make great Yoga partners because they’re pack animals and packs are about union. Doga partners us with our dogs, using them as a catalyst to heart connection which allows us to experience a broader connection to all things...Union.
Although our path is similar to that of the traditional yogis, our walk down the path is a little different. This is doga, it’s playful and organic. Our dogis are walking, sometimes running and pulling on the leash as we partner on the path of discovering that connection to our divine selves by first opening up our hearts and connecting to them. Discovering divinity is finding the very best part of us that is creative, loving and feels connection and unity to all around us. Doga is a fun and playful way to encourage that connection with many benefits for both Dogi and Yogi.
Dogs love the massage and stretching they receive in doga class, which is great for circulation and tension and is very relaxing. They also learn to be touched and socialize with other dogs and people; and they love getting undivided attention from their humans. The humans benefit in a different way.
In addition to the benefits of stretching our human bodies, Barking Buddha Doga uses stretches, massage and simple meditations, to heal on an emotional and energetic level benefiting both Yogi and Dogi.
Dogs can help us experience life from the heart instead of the head and Barking Buddha Doga is about opening our hearts, fostering the heart connection and bringing it into other aspects of our lives.
Experience a deeper connection to the human and the canine, and relax the world one dog at a time with doga.

Barking Buddha Doga Winter Schedule

2008-12-08T11:43:00.001-08:00

December 14. Sunday, 5:00 pm Twilight Artist Collective Gallery, West Seattle Junction

January 10. Saturday, 1:00 pm Downtown Dog Lounge

Capital Hill

January 7- January 21, 7:00 pm, 3 Week Series. Humane Society, Bellevue

January 11. Sunday, 5:00 pm Twilight Artist Collective Gallery, West Seattle Junction

PuppyPack and Other News

2008-12-08T10:13:00.000-08:00

This morning, I had at least 3 people email me the link to this photo from cuteoverload. I posted the link below if you want to check out additional cuteness. I also had a link to an article on dog jealousy sent to me as well. I'm sharing both with my Yogis and their Dogis, so enjoy!
Later today I'll post the winter schedule and The Barking Buddha Tip of the Week. Until then....

http://mfrost.typepad.com/cute_overload/2008/12/pom-backpack-in.html

-And something sciencey from The New York Times for all those folks that have said that dogs don't get jealous, us dog people know that they totally do!
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/09/science/09obenvy.html?_r=2

Barking Buddha Dog of the Week....Honey!

2008-12-05T09:12:00.000-08:00

Yes, I'm using my own dog as the dog of the week. But she deserves it!

Here is Honey's bio:

Honey is 1/2 Shar Pei and 1/2 Boxer. I always say she's a little wrinkly and a lot sweet.

Honey came to us as a 4 year old adult. Her foster mom chose us. I was toying with the idea of getting a dog . Honey's foster mom raised her from a pup. She is a very intuitive woman and pretty much told me that we were to be Honey's new family and that we were very lucky because many people had wanted Honey but she had to be with the right people. That was 7 years ago and I can't imagine life without my beautiful princess Honey.

As you can see Honey is jowly and a bit wrinkly, which would look bad on me, but looks fantastic on her.

Honey has been a huge inspiration to Doga, my writing, my life. She's been a comfort during times of change, fear, sadness, like when my dad died of cancer a few years back on Christmas Eve. But also a participant in times of joy, laughter and success, like when we bought our cool 1930's brick house and when I found a publisher for my book. Honey is special as all dogs are, but also in her own unique way...as all dogs are.

So Cheers to Honey! My big girl, my muse, my heart.

Snarls, Growls and All

2008-12-04T12:34:00.000-08:00

Gus and me on a cold, beach walk. Honey is with the photographer.

So after months and months of being around friendly and peaceful dogs, I've suddenly, over the past month encountered some aggressive dogs. Not toward me, but aggressive to other dogs. In my class, in my home, in the park. A sudden rash of snarling dogs. They don' t frighten me necessarily but I'll become afraid of a fight and for the safety of the other dogs. What's up with this? It doesn't make me love dogs any less. It just makes me wonder if there is some esoteric, message, lesson or discovery in this for me. I know that sounds a little narcissistic, but why suddenly is the same type of situation playing out again and again?
It would probably be more disturbing if the aggression was directed to me. But as I said before it's directed to other dogs, not just mine, but whatever dog seems to threaten the space or attention of the aggressive dog. I just happen to be there. An interesting trend.
What do I do? Well I try to get the attention of the snarling dog, before there's an escalation to a fight. And usually there isn't a fight. I'm a lover not a fighter and so are Honey and Gus, so we're confused! Are we there to set an example of peace and love? To intervene and offer behavior or training resources to the humans? I don't know! Anyway, we're hoping this doesn't continue as a trend and we can get back to the peace and love. Although I guess we usually do feel the peace and love even in the thick of the drama, so maybe that's the discovery. Calm in the eye of the storm. Loving unconditionally. Snarls, growls and all.

Dutch Dog Walking

2008-12-03T11:55:00.000-08:00

But first a gratuitous puppy shot

Katherine (the dog walker) and I at one of my favorite pubs in Amsterdam, T' Lootsje. (I hope I spelled that correctly)

A few weeks ago when I was in The Netherlands, I met a woman from Australia, who started a dog walking business in Amsterdam. Nothing really profound or enlightening about our meeting. But she was friendly and nice to chat with and I thought it was interesting that she's really busy and most of her clients are expats. Anyway just thought I'd share.

P.S. The puppy picture comes from my Dutch friend Ineke. Ineke and her sister recently picked up this sweet pup from southern Holland.

Barking Buddha available now for preorder on Amazon!

2008-12-01T18:10:00.000-08:00

http://www.amazon.com/Barking-Buddha-Simple-Soul-Stretches/dp/1594851417/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1228183659&sr=1-1#productPromotions

O.K. Yogis and Dogis, here's the link! Barking Buddha is now available for pre-order!

barking buddha playlist 100

2008-12-01T17:23:00.000-08:00

I enjoy creating playlists' for my classes and doga practice. Enjoy the one below. (and don't hate too much on The Rainbow Connection, it's kinda cute, right?)

barking buddha playlist 100: "1. The Rainbow Connection (from 'The Muppet Movie') - (previously unreleased) - The Carpenters
2. Love Plus One - Haircut 100
3. Jaia Ganesha - The Dum Dum Project
4. Got To Give It Up, Part 1 (Single Version) - Marvin Gaye
5. Fly Like An Eagle - Steve Miller Band
6. Satisfy My Soul - Bob Marley
7. Like A Star - Corinne Bailey Rae
8. In Dreams - Roy Orbison
9. Heaven - The Psychedelic Furs
10. Golden - Jill Scott
11. Love Is My Religion (acoustic) - Ziggy Marley
12. More Than This - Roxy Music
13. Love * John lennon - John Lennon
14. What A Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong
15. (samskeyti) - Sigur Ros
16. Regina From The Future - The Starseeds
17. Corpse Pose - Divination"