1 Year of Puppy Yoga With Mikenze Pt 3

In March of 2024, I was starting to get inquiries into Private Puppy Yoga classes for Bachelorettes and other gatherings in the spring and summer. This presented a new challenge (and anxiety) for me - finding puppies for these classes. I always give a disclaimer that there is a slight chance I may not be able to find puppies and give alternatives for a class. However, that has not happened. I have managed to sort out a few tricky situations and make it work for everyone, which has kept me on my toes and flexible in every way. It has taught me to trust even more so in the Universe and that everything will always work out.

In April I decided to try a class with Chihuahuas in Belleville. The litter was small (3 puppies) but I thought it would be great to have a class with this breed that I have loved all my life. Unfortunately it was a very small turn out, but I did hear from a few people that they just weren't available that day. I may try chihuahuas again if the timing is right. I also got the chance to work with RW Doodles for the first time. We had our first class on a Friday. It was a public class of 19 at Corby Hall in Corbyville. The puppies didn't quite know what to make of the situation. They were slightly timid at first but by the end they were starting to run around and play with each other and the participants.

My second class with RW Doodles was a private class the next day in Picton. This was a Bachelorette group of 17 where the bride was a massive animal lover. When she realized what we were doing that morning, she cried tears of joy. She cuddled with one of the puppies for a majority of the class, while the others got very comfortable running around, playing with everyone and exploring new territory. They were somewhat tired by the end of of the class. The last class that weekend was a private class for a Bachelorette of 10 at Fearless Wellness Centre in Battawa. These puppies fully knew what to expect by this point and were full of energy. They tore around the room, chewing on hair, biting on toes, landing on backs and cuddling in for a few moments of reprieve. It was hilarious to watch them get more brazen with each class. After this weekend, I knew I would absolutely work with RW Doodles again in the future.

The month prior, I had a student reach out to me and ask me if I could find a litter of Boxers for Puppy Yoga. I told her to watch my socials and if I found one, I would announce it there. Not even 2 weeks later, I found a litter of Boxers. I was so excited with how quickly this manifested that I let her know what happened and gave her first access to sign up. When my students sign up for Puppy Yoga, they get the breeder's information sent to them in the info email. This student decided to contact the breeder, go meet the puppies, and adopt a puppy that she would take home after our class. This whole thing was a surprise for her mother who had just lost her Boxer puppy the year before. Later in April I had the class with Boxer puppies at Corby Hall and it was amazing! They were the hoppiest, cutest, sweetest little things. They snuggled in and played with everyone but weren't too chewy or hyper. In my experience, adult Boxers have been incredibly hyper and jumpy, so I wasn't sure what to expect, but as it turns out, this was the perfect behaviour for a Puppy Yoga class! At the end of the class, my student picked up her new puppy and told her mother that it was theirs. I definitely shed a few tears. What a heart-warming moment, and something I will never forget. It continues to amaze me just how much my classes help people in ways I would never have imagined.

May brought a Private class with a small litter of Cockapoos for a group of 7 in Belleville. This class was with staff from a local social service agency for their Health and Wellness day. The puppies were super sweet and playful, and it is safe to say that the group left feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. Later than month I had the pleasure of working with Black Rose Kennels and their litter of 12 Labrador Retrievers. Black Rose Kennels trains working dogs and are extremely knowledgeable. Most of the puppies were rowdy and playful, while one of them took a nap for most of the class. All 44 participants between two classes at Corby Hall had a total blast and got lots of attention from the puppies as they ran around the entire room, jumping on everyone's backs and bellies and making sure to give most a kiss before moving on to the next person. I will absolutely work with Black Rose Kennels again.

As summer begins, Bachelorette season is already in full swing. June brought two bachelorettes with the next RW Doodles litter (they have multiple mamas and papas between multiple owners) after our two public classes with them. The public classes at Corby Hall were smaller, but we had a blast, and this litter made sure to give me lots of love as I attempted to teach. One literally jumped over my head as I called out instructions making me squeal loudly, filling the room with laughter. How could anyone leave this experience feeling anything but happy?!

The end of June brought an opportunity for partnership that I had no idea was even an option. Something so incredible that I have been wanting to do for a very long time, I just had no idea how to make it work. Something I will dive more into soon.