Our members know that Robert and I devote ourselves, our time, and our hearts into Dogmata. We have been doing so for almost three years since opening in June of 2014, Robert and I have had a total of three weekends off together that allow us to be reclusive hermits with our personal pack of six dogs. The best part about these weekends, besides sleeping in, is that we all get to go to what we affectionately call "Church".

Church is a little secluded area (well, about 26 acres) a mere 1.5 miles from our home that sits at the bottom of a hill with a lake that is shielded by walls of pine trees on all sides. We always begin our mile and a half trek to Church after feasting on a breakfast that should fully feed four - not just us two gluttons. The walk is a relaxing 30 minutes with only the wind, birds, dogs', and our own quiet chit chat to accompany us. Once we arrive to the entrance of Church, we have our pack calmly sit and quietly stay as we take off all their hardware (three couplers and three city leads). Once they're free of their leashes, Robert and I walk to the shore of the lake then release the hounds.

Watching our pack run as fast as they can as they all weave in between the trees, jump over the bushes, and try to catch one another is why we call this outing "Going to Church". It is meditation for us and a release for the canines. This time is for only us, our dogs, and God. There is no stress. There is no anxiety. There are no what-ifs. It is simply embracing the moment, trusting our dogs, and spectating as our pack brazenly enjoy being who and what they are; Dogs.

We hope you enjoy the gallery of photos below from Church.