One of the things that makes my soul sing the most is when I have unscheduled time at Alaqua Animal Refuge to just BE with the animals and see who is open to - calling for - some loving Jin Shin Jyutsu. This last Friday I was given one of those gifts. Alaqua Animal Refuge is a beautiful no-kill facility founded in 2007. Located on 100-acres in Freeport, FL, it offers second chances for abused, neglected and abandoned animals from the Emerald Coast and beyond. I have worked there, sharing and teaching Jin Shin Jyutsu for over 15 years. Tens of thousands of animals have passed through this loving place and I have been privileged to work with so many. Each one carves out a little place in my heart. Sometimes we get large numbers of animals from a severe abuse case. Sweet Aries was from one of those cases. Most of the other dogs who came in with him last year have found their people, but this sweet - and in his own way - perfect guy is still waiting. On Friday, while I was working in the Dog Adoption Center, a really big storm came up with crazy winds, and driving rain. I knew it was time to settle in with Aries. I made sure to be calm and centered before going into his run. He greeted me with a full body wag but he was also visibly shaking and in distress. Dogs have heightened senses of smell and hearing, allowing them to detect changes in barometric pressure and the way odors travel when that happens. Dogs may show signs of anxiety and panic by cowering, panting, howling, pacing and sniffing the air. You may see them exhibit sinus issues and joint pain when a storm comes up. Jin Shin Jyutsu to the rescue! It is a perfect, usable and immediate aid for this situation. I sat down on the side of the dog bed as he quickly cuddled into my side. He made it so easy to naturally share the work. Not all dogs can handle this level of contact immediately, but he was eager for me to wrap my arms around him and tuck him in with the opposite side Safety Energy Lock 26, up where the front leg attaches to the body. My other hand naturally could reach under his body and hold his Safety Energy Lock 13, at the center of the breast bone. This hold is all about our “feeling” nature, our respiration and unconditional love. We stayed this way for about 20 minutes, while he stretched out on his bed and felt safety. Whenever I get to BE like this, at just the right moment with a rescue animal, I feel like my life is really on purpose. It is so easy to start to learn to share, so life-changing when offered. And brings so much joy to all involved! ** If Aries looks like he is right for you, please reach out to me! I would happily do all I can to make that happen. Remember, I deliver! Here is what is written on his chart: Aries is a mixed breed, 4 year old male. House trained, selective with other dogs, (no cats). Aries, once timid and scared, has transformed into a beacon of hope and determination. Despite missing all of his teeth and an unimaginable past, he has learned to love and be a dog. He is a true example of Resilience. He is a loving boy who deserves a second chance!

Learn how to use Jin Shin Jyutsu to calm and harmonize your pets during storms. Discover simple techniques to help reduce anxiety and keep your animal companions feeling safe.

We're delighted to share some dog news! By now, many of you may have heard about the program I started through Alaqua Animal Refuge , where a group of volunteers and I take shelter dogs to a senior living center for a fun-filled JSJ love fest. Well, one particularly perfect sweet mid-aged, mid-sized dog came with us for every single visit. She was so good-natured with dogs, residents, and even cars. Every month I hoped she would not join us again because she had left the refuge. But each month, there she was… wagging and ready to show all the other dogs just what to do. I kept writing up stories about her and posting pictures. Still she sat for 8 long months… Till the magic happened! A family read the write-ups about her and set up a “meet and greet.” They took her home for a “sleepover”… and adopted her yesterday! I am crying even as I write this. This is how it happens… love triumphs one animal at a time! ~ Adele Leas 

Monthly Visits That Bring Comfort and Connection For years, Adele Leas, founder of Jin Shin Jyutsu for Your Animal Companions and a renowned practitioner of Jin Shin Jyutsu (JSJ), has led a heartwarming initiative at Alaqua Animal Refuge in Sanctuary, FL. This program beautifully combines the healing power of JSJ with the companionship of rescue dogs. What started as a dream has evolved into a beloved monthly tradition. Each month, Adele, along with a dedicated team of volunteers, takes a select group of dogs from the refuge to visit a nearby senior living facility . Residents eagerly look forward to these visits, finding great comfort and joy in the dogs' presence. The dogs thrive on the residents' affection, becoming more social and adoptable. Adele also uses these moments to connect with the residents, deepening their bond with the animals. The impact of these visits has been profound, creating lasting memories and fostering deep connections. A particularly touching moment was when the residents asked to make homemade treats for the dogs during their cooking class—a beautiful gesture that exemplifies the spirit of this program. This longstanding tradition reflects the deep healing and connection that Jin Shin Jyutsu fosters between humans and animals. To learn more about how JSJ can enhance the well-being of your animal companions, or to explore classes, videos, and other resources, simply explore the rest of our website. Visit Alaqua Animal Refuge to learn more about the refuge and its mission.

Shelter pets often face significant anxiety due to the overwhelming and unfamiliar environment, making it challenging for them to relax and connect with potential adopters.