What a gorgeous day - sunshine and light breezes.  I was elated and grateful for the wonderful weather!

I was in Crestview today with the Crestview Kitty Group, rallying in front of the court house.  James Decatur Lee was in court again today.  After his previous seven court appearances resulted in continuances, he is finally going to stand trial for the beating deaths of several kittens.  His trial is scheduled for Tuesday September 29. 

If you can, please come out and support the CKG on Tuesday.  Remember - animal victims of abuse cannot speak for themselves.  A conviction won't erase the pain those kittens endured, nor bring back their lives, but justice means their short lives meant something.  If this conviction can send the message that abuse and cruelty are wrong, maybe another life will be spared this type of suffering.

You can learn more about the Crestview Kitty Group by visiting
www.crestviewkittygroup.weebly.com

So I finally got Jojo into the vet about 2 weeks ago.  He prescribed some anti-inflammatories, but unfortunately we haven't seen an improvement.

I took all the dogs to the dog park on Saturday morning.  The skies looked ominous, and we heard thunder rumbling.  I drove into the rain as I returned to Fort Walton Beach. 

I was disappointed to see rain, because Global Mala was cancelled.  I haven't found out if this wonderful event has been rescheduled.  I'll post an update if I find out.

Just a reminder - we don't need an injury, or a special event to use yoga to heal our bodies, our minds, and our spirits.  Any old rainy day will do.

Holiday weekends seem to be so busy.  It's like your brain says "we have an extra day- let's do a thousand more things!"

On Saturday I was at the dog park in Niceville with Pepper, Jojo, and Tressel (and Dan!).  The weather was nice, but the bugs were out - and eating me alive!  I put on some citronella, eucalyptus, and lemongrass oils and the insects left me alone.

Dan and I were watching a small min-pin mix with a Napoleonic complex.  He alpha-rolled a much larger german shepherd mix and was humping the bigger dog.  We both watched the scene with a wary eye.

Unfortunately, this same dog later bit a child.  The dog was jumping up and nipping the boy (who was about 12) on his arms and hands as the he was screaming.

Although the boy seemed more frightened than injured, it could have been worse.  The dog was an intact male with alpha dominance characteristics.  His person could have been paying more attention.  It is important to know your animal, and to take steps through obedience training, socialization, and of course doga, to raise a dog who can handle social situations.  I also believe with the pet overpopulation problem, it is irresponsible to not have your pet neutered or spayed. 

Yesterday I was back at PAWS for shelter doga - it was geat to be back!
My partner was a young female black lab with soulful eyes named Cindy.  She is heartworm positive.

I did a very gentle restorative practice.  I didn't ask very much of Cindy - I wanted to help calm her, while at the same time do a little bit of heart openers and twists to help with immunity.  She is such an energetic, playful girl!

PAWS director Tricia Bryant says they have seen a drop in the number of surrendered animals they are taking in.  That's great news!  Hopefully it's a sign the economy is stabilizing, and people aren't being forced to choose between rent and pets...

Doga at PAWS is the first Thursday of each month - please come join in!