Posted on June 12th, 2025

Reding time: approximately 5 minutes

Something magical happens when yoga mats unroll and tails start wagging. What might seem like a playful gimmick at first glance—puppy yoga—is actually a heart-centered, deeply intentional practice.

Hi, I’m Marie Rodriguez, former-owner of Alchemy by Active Lotus, and I’m honored to have hosted Paws & Poses, a unique experience that blended embodied yoga, sacred sound, and soulful connection—with the joyful energy of dogs and puppies. Many (though not all) of these pups were looking for homes.

This isn’t just a cute trend.

Practicing yoga alongside pups is an invitation into presence, play, and profound connection. These four-legged sweethearts are living embodiments of unconditional love and joy. When you come to the mat with pups, you’re not just stretching your body—you’re opening your heart.

I’ve seen it firsthand: the way a wagging tail can melt stress, how a sleepy pup curled beside you in savasana can deepen your sense of peace, and how shared smiles between strangers create unexpected community.

It’s powerful.
It’s healing.
It’s needed.

And the beauty goes both ways. Many of the puppies participating in organized yoga with puppies are looking for forever homes, and this practice gives them visibility, affection, and socialization. I, and many other puppy yoga instructors, work tirelessly to ensure the right connections are made—not just for the humans who attend, but for the pups too. Everyone involved—two-legged and four—deserves a great experience.

I'm about more than just yoga. I'm about creating sacred space for transformation, joy, and heart-led living. Yoga with dogs is one of the most joyful experiences—a space where movement meets meaning, and puppy kisses remind us to be present.

Here’s how community members got involved:

✅ Breeders, shelters, and foster organizations involved their pups involved
✅ Businesses, friend groups, and organization loved this as a private wellness event
✅ Those who treat themselves and loved ones to a joy-filled hour

Experience it for yourself and bring smiles, stretches, and tail wags into the world!

Let your next yoga practice be one filled with softness, connection, and a few playful surprises.