Learn to Meditate for a Cause: Support Homeless Dogs

Compassion & Canines - How Learning to Meditate Saves Homeless Dogs in Saint Martin

As the gentle ocean waves in Saint Martin lap against its picturesque shores, a different kind of wave - one of compassion and love - is quietly transforming lives, both human and canine. My annual pilgrimage to this island is not just a retreat for my soul but a mission of kindness, deeply intertwined with the practice of meditation and the spirit of giving. Every year, when I travel to St. Martin, I find myself drawn to the homeless, starving dogs wandering the streets and beaches. The forlorn sadness in their eyes tugs at my heart, prompting me to feed them as my vacation mission.

The first time I witnessed a stray dog sweep on the French side of the island -a regular occurrence of capturing these lost souls from a difficult life of surviving on the street, I was devastated by their limited days to be claimed or adopted, especially if not spayed, neutered and microchipped, before they are euthanized.

Haunted by Facebook pictures of innocent puppies, mothers with puppies, and even recognizing some of the strays I had been feeding, all longing to live and be loved, I wanted to rescue them all.

I connected with Ursula Oppikofer, the founder of 'I Love My Island Dog Association,' a non-profit organization dedicated to the welfare of homeless dogs on the island.  Through tireless efforts, Ursula and her volunteers developed a robust spaying and neutering program to control the population of street dogs, offering  education and microchipping programs in effort  to unite dogs with their owners.  

In 2017 hurricane Irma devastated the island of Saint Martin and destroyed the

'I Love My Island Dog Association animal shelter. Ursula patched up her damaged home and turned it into a temporary shelter and continued her life mission of rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming stray island dogs, collaborating with local authorities and operating with a sense of urgency given the limited capacity, and the devastation that so many islanders face in just trying to survive post-hurricane. The challenges of rescuing, feeding, and caring for pets now intensified.

Aligning with the spiritual principle that everything is for us, I see the efforts to remove lost and forlorn dogs from the streets and beaches as ultimately positive, despite the emotional difficulty of the situation. Being showcased on social media and even in the news may potentially find them at least a  temporary loving  home, an opportunity for veterinary care, and for  some - an ending to their suffering.  It certainly got MY attention to want to help in whatever capacity I could.

There are many details and complex realities and protocols that govern animal rescue that I don’t understand, so recognizing that every act of rescue is part of a larger effort, I decided I could do my part by fundraising to support those who understand how to navigate these challenges effectively. And volunteer where I can be helpful.

'Island Puppy Rescue International' is one of several organizations dedicated to fostering homeless puppies. They developed an innovative puppy escort program which is a collaboration of volunteers, often tourists like myself, visiting Saint Martin, who escort puppies on their flights back to North America, welcomed by selected foster families who connect them to their forever homes. The partnership, a testament to the power of community and global cooperation, is a crucial lifeline for these animals, offering them a chance at a better life beyond the island.

In a bid to help these precious souls, I volunteer regularly as an Island puppy escort, a role that fills me with indescribable joy. Escorting puppies to the United States for adoption is a bittersweet journey. Saint Martin, especially post-Hurricane Irma, has struggled to find enough local families for these strays. Each trip back, I bring a puppy to a New York City foster family, ensuring they find their forever homes. There's no greater comfort during a long flight than the warmth of a puppy on my lap, their innocent eyes full of hope and trust.

This mission of mercy extends beyond my time in Saint Martin.

I am a Holistic Life and Dharma Coach, an Ayurvedic Practitioner and Vedic Astrologer AND a Meditation instructor. I lead donation-based 'Learn How to Meditate Workshops' and two day retreats where the proceeds, beyond my suggested donation, go directly to supporting this noble cause on the island (and to the Dorset Equine Rescue where I live in Vermont. (Check out my blog 'Meditate for a Mission: Rescue Horses in Need)

This integration of meditation and animal rescues is not coincidental. Meditation cultivates compassion, a deep sense of connection with all beings, and an appreciation for the present moment - qualities abundantly evident in our canine companions. Dogs, I've often mused, are Spiritual in their own right. Have you ever noticed how they spend much of their lives in quiet, peaceful existence? They embody the essence of meditation-being fully present. It's no wonder some say that 'DOG' spells 'GOD' backward. These loving creatures have an innate ability to bring peace and joy to their human companions.

My late beloved Buddha dog, Hensley, and my 'Sami-girl' have always been an integral part of my meditation practice, often sitting quietly beside me when I guide sessions and retreats. Their presence, I believe, is not just for companionship but signifies a deeper consciousness connection of healing on a soul level.

As you embark on your meditation journey, I encourage you to include your furry friends, share the meditative energy and connection, and witness the harmonious bond it nurtures.

By donating to my ‘Learn to Meditate’ 2hr Workshop or 2 Day Retreat you are not only embarking on a journey of personal growth, but also contributing to a heartfelt cause of giving homeless, hungry dogs and starving neglected horses, both in danger of being euthanized or slaughtered, back their spirit... and a chance of a loving home.

Together, we can make a difference, one puppy... one horse... one meditation

at a time.