Grosse Pointe Woods

Practice Yoga hosts fundraiser for man’s best friend

By April Lehmbeck
C & G Staff Writer

» click to enlarge « Photo by April Lehmbeck Denise Sand’s golden retriever, Sarah, and other yoga enthusiasts take to the mats at Practice Yoga, where they are planning a Downward Dogz for a Cause fundraiser Feb. 23. Photo by April Lehmbeck Denise Sand’s golden retriever, Sarah, and other yoga enthusiasts take to the mats at Practice Yoga, where they are planning a Downward Dogz for a Cause fundraiser Feb. 23.

GROSSE POINTE WOODS — Practice Yoga is in the business of helping people with their minds and bodies, but they’re opening their doors for an afternoon with a different kind of goal in mind.

They’re planning to raise some funds with their Downward Dogz for a Cause fundraiser from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 23 at the yoga studio on Mack in Grosse Pointe Woods. The fundraiser will benefit Teacher’s Pet: Dogs and Kids Learning Together, a nonprofit organization that works to place shelter dogs that are hard to adopt with at-risk youth for a workshop in basic dog obedience.

Denise Sand and her golden retriever, Sarah, will help people who come out to the event with the “up dog” and “down dog” yoga postures. Those who want to participate in the fundraiser can give a $10 donation or in-kind donation like dog leashes, harnesses, crates and treats.

“Part of the yoga philosophy is to share our gifts with others and, by offering our studio and talented staff, we can give back to the troubled youth and unwanted rescue dogs in the area,” Practice Yoga owner Christie Wood stated in a news release.

Sand’s niece Amy Johnson came up with the idea for the fundraiser. The studio has had fundraisers in the past, as well.

Teacher’s Pet: Dogs and Kids Learning Together works with young people from the Macomb County Juvenile Justice Center in Macomb County. The teens benefit from helping the dogs with their behavior, which will hopefully result in the dogs finding a home for life.

“This is perpetuated through the loving support and generosity of our clients,” Sand stated in a news release. “It is through their generosity that we are able to support others in need like Teacher’s Pet.”

“I’m thinking we’re going to have a pretty big turnout,” Sand said.

Wood also thinks the fundraiser will be a hit.

“We’ve got so many dog lovers in Grosse Pointe,” she said.

To register for the fundraiser or for more information, call Denise Sand at (586) 291-1634 or email sand_d@wowway.com.

You can reach C & G Staff Writer April Lehmbeck at alehmbeck@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1043.