Beagle Recovery

with lots of love and Jin Shin Jyutsu

Author

Adele Leas
June 19, 2026

Greetings my fellow Jin Shin Jyutsu and animal-loving friends,

I got to be part of a miracle this past Sunday in the Dog Adoption Center at Alaqua Animal Refuge.

During the four-hour introductory Jin Shin Jyutsu class I offered for volunteers at the refuge, we focused our attention on some very special beagles. These sweet souls are among the 1,500 dogs recently freed from Ridglan Farms in Wisconsin, a breeding facility that supplied dogs for laboratory research. Twenty of these remarkable dogs have found sanctuary at Alaqua, where they are beginning their journey toward healing, trust, and loving homes.

After several weeks of patient socialization and care—which included learning to eat and drink from bowls, walk on grass, and encounter animals who were not beagles—many of these pups are now available for adoption. But the effects of trauma and neglect do not simply disappear when circumstances change.

In order to help that healing unfold, I was thrilled that my students and I had the opportunity to simply "BE with these BE-ings  in this gentle and loving Art."

After sharing self-help sessions and becoming more grounded ourselves, it was time to enter the runs with these little scared and gentle dogs. For some students, it was challenging to accept that we needed to allow the dogs to choose whether or not to interact with us. But, in Mary Burmeister's words, "In a few moments, more or less…” curiosity gradually overcame fear. Gentle petting led to sharing the Initial Centering Step and holding Safety Energy Locks 10 and 13. We watched as the dogs began to let go and exhale—and then enjoy receiving the inhale. Shaking stopped. Eyes softened. Little bodies relaxed and melted receiving secure, loving touch…perhaps for the first time in their lives.

I encouraged my students not to rush on to the next hold. This simple combination can help release the effects of abuse and neglect and allow a Be-ing to become open to learning new routines and trusting relationships.

Some students remained with that hold for most of the session. Others moved on to Safety Energy Locks 3 and 15, supporting the immune system, allowing warm relationships, and helping these little ones meet the world as they wash their hearts with joy and laughter. Mary was so very right when she called the Safety Energy Locks our best friends.

The crowning moment of the class came when one of the pups, who had initially been so reluctant to be touched, was taken by a staff member for a meet-and-greet with an interested adopter. As I watched her being carried down the hallway, the last thing I saw was her happily wagging tail.

After class was over and I was packing up my belongings, tears welled up in my eyes when I saw that same beagle cradled in her new mom's arms and headed to her forever home.

Would they have chosen her if she had presented herself as that closed-down little bundle of fur? Maybe so.

But Mary tells us that even one session can change a life forever.

I think this one may well have.

I am headed off to teach 3 classes in Europe during July. Find all the details and registration info here: https://www.jsjforyouranimal.com/classes.

Each class offers the opportunity to practice with many different species while sharing this beautiful Art with students from around the world. Whether you are brand new to Jin Shin Jyutsu or have been studying for decades, I would love to welcome you. There is always room for more loving hands.

With love and gratitude,

Adele

Adele, Giannina Mia, Scirroco, Teja and Bob Leas

… and search for Jin Shin Jyutsu for Your Animals on Instagram and TikTok.