I feel like February is a month full of love, don’t you?

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner I really really want you all to meet someone very, very special and inspiring…

Let me introduce the most mysterious Yorkie in the world LOL.

You’ve seen him everywhere…

He’s on the reformer with me…

He’s on vacation with us…

He’s at the beach with me…

He’s a huge part of my logo…

Meet the love of my life (excluding my fiancé of course). The most perfect Yorkie ever. MY BEST FRIEND. MY BABY BOY. MY VASCO!!!

Vasco, or “my Vascito” as I oftentimes refer to him, is one special Yorkie. He just gets it.

Vasco came to me when he was 8 weeks old. He slept on my bed from night one and never made a mistake.

EVER.

He learned how to poddy outside right away, leash training was a no brainer for him and he never ever chewed on anything in the house other than his chew toys.

I know, he sounds too good to be true, right?

Vasco is loved by EVERYONE. Since puppyhood I started bringing him to the dance studio where he would quietly sleep in his bed and occasionally lift his head to watch me dance and teach. Then one day he stood up and walked out onto the dance floor during the cool down section of one of my cardio dance classes. Vasco went around to each client, gave them a quick sniff and a lick, then promptly started stretching with us!

Now, he does it every time. Such a professional HAHA.

Oh yes, down dog, up dog, shavasana… they are all his favorite poses. He does them at home and at the end of each one of my classes. Whether he’s napping in my yoga, pilates or cardio class- he senses when we are finished and cannot wait to socialize.

Oh my Vasco- he’s the most intelligent, adorable little guy in the world!

Vasco and I have been together for over 10 years now. He knows my every mood, he senses when I’m excited and upset, he knows when he can get away with something clever (like manipulating an extra breakfast out of yours truly after Anton’s already been up to feed him unbeknownst to me LOL) and he’s always there for me.

Yes, ALWAYS.

Every breakup, every business up and down, competition, bad day, good day and dance partnership breakup, I could always count on Vasco to be there for me 100% of the time.

Vasco is the constant in my life. He keeps me sane. He gives me so much love and happiness that I couldn’t have become the person I am today without him. He inspires me to be a better person. He’s taught me true loyalty and friendship, responsibility and compassion.

Having a dog changes your life. They rely on their human for food, shelter and exercise. And even if we don’t do a good job at providing all of this, our dog still loves us unconditionally.

If only us humans could be so amazing.

Making Vasco a part of my logo was a no brainer. He’s a huge part of my brand and my business. All of my clients adore him and say hi to him first, I’m the afterthought LOL.

And if only we could speak Yorkie, Vasco has heard some of the most intriguing conversations and confessions. He could seriously start his own women’s or men’s magazine. Maybe both and then some! I would call it Celebrity Yorkie Gossip HAHAHA.

I’m so happy to share Vasco with you as we embark on our new blog adventure together!

Animals are one of my biggest passions. Dogs, horses, tigers, cheetahs, elephants. I LOVE THEM ALL. You name an animal in distress and I’m ready to contribute in any way I can.

Compassion towards animals is a topic I’m very serious about. I know I still have A LOT of work to do in making more compassionate choices towards animals and the environment we all live in but I am seriously trying! Letting go of material things and being more disciplined with the food choices I make are all a part of this.

Vasco and I will do our best to bring YOU ALL more awareness on the subject of compassion. We want you guys to see for yourselves how easy it can be to live and breathe compassionate choices by incorporating a love of animals into your lifestyle.

Stay tuned for more of our adventures as Vasco continues to inspire me. He and I are on a mission to bring us all more compassionate options and alternatives in all walks and ways of life!

xx Shanna & Vasco