Peyia, Cyprus. A villa on a hillside above Peyia operates as both a yoga retreat and a temporary home for rescue puppies being prepared for adoption abroad. Visitors attend gentle yoga sessions while the puppies are fostered on site until they move to permanent homes.
A retreat that combines yoga and fostering
The villa hosts Puppy Yoga sessions, casual gatherings called “Coffee, Cake & Cuddles”, and walks along the Paphos harbour and the EDRO III shipwreck. Visitors come for a calming yoga experience and an opportunity to interact with the puppies.
Five puppies live in the villa, but they are not owned by the retreat. Ines Brendel said she collaborates with two organisations, AIRS Foundation and STAR (Stronger Together Animal Rescue). She said she has a foster agreement with the AIRS Foundation, while both organisations are responsible for adoption decisions and international placements, including matching puppies with families abroad.
Preparing puppies for adoption
Brendel said the puppies stay with her until they reach around four months of age. During that time, they learn the basics of trust, including being handled, hearing everyday sounds, and meeting various people.
She said some puppies have simple stories while others have more complicated ones.
Hooper’s recovery and move to England
Hooper was found in a field with his brother, Henry, and taken to the AIRS Foundation shelter. While there, another dog attacked him, leaving a serious bite on his neck.
Brendel said it was at one point unclear if he would survive. After veterinary treatment, he went to the villa to recover. She said the first days required constant attention and that he could not be left alone. She said he showed no aggression but was cautious and watchful.
Hooper initially sat nearby during yoga sessions and observed, before gradually approaching people. Brendel said he later climbed into someone’s lap and stayed there, after which he became more relaxed and confident. She said he is now seen as balanced and friendly and is expected to fly to England this week to join his new family.
Nala’s adoption and move to Germany
Nala was found abandoned in a field with six siblings during winter and taken in by the AIRS Foundation. During a Puppy Beach Walk in Paphos, a family of four met her, and their daughter felt an immediate connection. The family returned the next day for a quieter visit, and the bond deepened.
The family decided to adopt Nala, with the AIRS Foundation handling the process. Nala then flew to Germany with a volunteer and now lives with her new family.
Would you consider attending a yoga session that also supports rescue puppies awaiting adoption?