lovethislife manifesto

Be Courageous – Love This Life with David Culiner

LovethisLife…
is about celebrating the moment
and that we’re not guaranteed or owed another day
and how cool it is that what we hide
can actually be the fuel towards our glory
and that it’s not so bad being proven wrong
LovethisLife…
is about welcoming the blind turn
and the possibility that
there’s no such thing as coincidence
and that empathy is incredibly sexy
and that it’s never too late to
pick up a quitar or a paintbrush
or to make an amend or to make a new friend
LovethisLive…
could be about rekindling a past flame
or igniting a new one
or shape shifting from a dreamer into a doer
or savoring the caress of a love long gone
LovethisLife…
means whatever it is
you want it to mean because
LovethisLife…
is a celebration of you and your path
LovethisLife…
‘cuz it could go at any second
you rock
Copyright 2002, David Culiner

Susie

When I first heard about Susie last spring I cried while I watched the videos of her recovery.  Not just any cry but a sobbing cry.  I wanted to share her story with others but I literally could not speak.   Words would not come out.    I would start to speak and I just felt my breath was taken away.   It took me about two months before I could talk about Susie.  I would take a deep breath and I could feel the tears on my face and I could not look anyone in the face when I talked about this dog.

I remember the exact moment when I was teaching a class and I started to tell Susie's story as an example of animals living in the moment.  No matter the abuse, neglect or the lack of love,  this dog would greet with you with her tail wagging.    This was my  break through of celebrating this dog's life and being able to share her story.  Susie has inspired so many that the NC legislature passed a law that went into effect in December called "Susie's Law."  If you abuse, starve, torture, or neglect an animal in this state you will now be charged with a Class H felony which means jail time.

Come celebrate Susie's life with us this Sunday at our studio.  Another dog Bailey will be here as well.  Bailey was also set on fire and received medical treatment from Susie's Miracle Fund.  This is why we are raising money.  Because we can and there is a need.  If you cannot attend please consider making a donation either here at the studio or online.

Susie's video is below.  It is graphic in the beginning.  But hang on like she did and you will see why she is such a miracle to behold.

Much love and peace,

Lori

Spring Mala for Susie's Miracle Fund

Join Franklin Street Yoga Center in 108 sun salutations- or rather 108 downward dogs- to benefit Susie’s Miracle Fund on Sunday, March 20^th at 1:30 pm. Lori Burgwyn and the teachers at FSYC will share their deep commitment to animal rights with the community and raise awareness and much needed funds for Susie’s Miracle Fund.

Lori, the proud owner of 6 rescue dogs and 3 cats, was moved to tears when she heard Susie’s story—just a puppy, Susie was set on fire and left to die in a Greensboro park. Found with 2^nd and 3^rd degree burns over 60% of her body, a broken jaw and teeth, and covered in maggots, it was a miracle that she survived. With her strong will, and the help of the Guilford County Animal Shelter, Susie lives a happy and healthy life with her adopted mom, Donna Lawerence. Together the two raise awareness for victims of animal cruelty. The cost of caring for these animals is steep— to save Susie’s life the Guilford County Animal Shelter spent over $4,000. Donations to Susie’s Miracle Fund go toward the care of other animal abuse victims.

Supporters of Susie’s Miracle Fund worked to increase the penalties for animal cruelty in the State of North Carolina. In June 2010, North Carolina legislators unanimously voted to raise the penalties for those convicted of a Felon Cruelty to Animals to a Class H Felony. Named after this inspirational canine, Susie’s Law took effect on December 1, 2010.

Susie will be in attendance at the Mala March 20, 2011— she will be demonstrating the correct posture for downward dog and perhaps shaking hands with donors.