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Welcome!

Hi folks and welcome to my website!

Here I am, complete with cat ears, at the Ban Live Export rally in Sydney, Australia. Next to me, supporting the cause, are Jake (left) and Jasmin (right). My partner John was there too (he took the photo, hence his absence in the photo).

If you live in Sydney, Australia and are an animal lover, look for me at animal-based rallies, protests and demos. I'll be the one with the cat's ears on, handing out fliers to help spread awareness about the plight of animals on our planet and how we can all help to eliminate their suffering. Please, if you do spot me, don't be shy - come and introduce yourself!

Since 1998 my internet presence has been as a Bellydance teacher with the website Dreaming Of Jeannie Bellydance Academy. During that time some of you may have seen me in the press and on TV in the following:

• Melinda Schneider’s music video TV or Me
• Space for Optus television
• Body + Soul for Channel 9
• The Kerri-Anne Show on Channel 9
• Fresh for Channel 9
   

I'm still here in Sydney (Australia), but since 1998 my talents have changed as I schooled myself in other styles of dance, added Pilates and Yoga to my repertoire, and also had some writing published.

All throughout, I've supported (and continue to support) animal organisations and do animal advocacy.

But rather than making separate websites for all the hats I wear, in 2007 I decided to amalgamate it all into one monster website which is what you're looking at now. Enjoy!

For Dog Lovers

Check out my FREE online book: Little Dog In A Big City!

For Animal-Loving Kids

Animals And Us (the book I had the pleasure of proofreading) is out! It's written and illustrated by my friend, Faye Leister, and is an activity book that teaches kids respect, empathy, integrity, responsibility, care and compassion for animals. For a taste, get the free Animals & Us activity pages. It's a wonderful book for any parent or teacher of primary-aged kids to have.

For Animal Lovers

The film Earthlings is an excellent way to get an overview of the current situation of the animals on our planet. 

In over two decades of Bellydancing, I've never danced in a troupe - until now! I've recently been honoured to join Jessica (left) in the dynamic duo, Cabaret Arabia.

Me in Bellydance attire at Coogee beach...

...and again, but this time at Bondi Beach...

...and finally back again at Coogee Beach.

I love animals! Here I am, going nose to nose with my little angel, the late Jordan.

Being a triangle (that is, doing the well-known Triangle Pose or Trikonasana)...

...and doing a plank (both pics taken at Coogee Beach).

I often write whilst horizontal. (There's Jake in the background - sunbaking on his hammock!)

In the words of Mahatma Gandhi:
"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."

SAY NO TO PUPPY MILLS! SAY NO TO ANIMALS IN PETSHOPS! SAY NO TO BREEDERS!

At Say No it's estimated that 130,000 dogs and 60,000 cats are killed every year in Australia because there are not enough homes for them all. And the global numbers amount to millions upon millions every single year.

Puppy mills are a major contributor to the terrible problem of overpopulation. Puppy mills are essentially 'dog factories' where dogs are forced to churn out litter after litter, with no thought for the welfare of the dogs and all thought for profit. The dogs live in appallingly dirty, cramped conditions all their lives, and when they no longer serve their purpose they're killed, dumped or sold for cruel and painful medical testing.

Petshops fit into the picture because puppy mills are generally where petshops get their animals from. Furthermore, having animals in shop windows encourages impulse purchases, and adding an animal to your family should be a conscious, careful decision - NOT one to be made while shoe shopping.

Breeders contribute enormously to the tragic statistics above too. And it doesn't matter whether they're professional breeders or backyard breeders, and whether they breed for profit or not, because while there are homeless animals sitting on death row in shelters, any and all animal breeding is utterly irresponsible.

For all these reasons, adopting from a rescue organisation is a far better (and more compassionate) choice than getting an animal from a puppy mill, petshop or breeder. (And remember that desexing is an integral part of being a responsible animal guardian so, if you haven't already, be part of the solution and desex your dog, cat or any other animal in your family.)

If I haven't convinced you, visit your local shelter or go to Death Row Pets to see the homeless animals and let their innocent faces convince you that adopting is the way to go!

"To my mind, the life of a lamb is no less precious than that of a human being."
- Mahatma Gandhi

All information and photos are copyright © Despina Rosales.
Apart from any fair use of the information on this site for the purpose of private study, research, criticism or review (as per the Copyright Act),
permission must be sought before reproducing it for any other means.