Om Land Yoga’s new Animal Yoga class, in partnership with Old Town Animal Orphanage, is bringing together the calming effects of yoga and the joy of animal interaction to promote adoption and socialization.
Conceived by Britney Ellis, public relations specialist at the shelter, the initiative aims to provide exposure for adoptable cats while raising funds. “I wanted something a little bit different for our animals to have some exposure and it’s a good little fundraiser,” Ellis explained.
Held Wednesday at Om Land’s Brewer studio, the class featured cats available for adoption, encouraging participants to engage in poses like “downward dog,” “cat,” and “cow” alongside their furry companions.
The unique class benefits both humans and animals, say organizers. Om Land owner Terry Lacy noted, “Yoga helps people stay in the present moment, which is hard when our minds are constantly distracted by to-do lists and future concerns. The animals help you focus on the here and now, offering a peaceful distraction.”
The experience is also proving valuable for the cats. “This allows us to observe their behavior in an unfamiliar environment,” said Ellis. “It’s a great opportunity for them to get comfortable with a crowd.”
Though Wednesday’s class was the second in the series, improvements were already visible. Lacy remarked, “The first class was experimental, and the cats were more reserved. Today, they were much more interactive and engaged with the participants.”
For Ellis, the yoga setting—complete with calming music and slow movements—provides the perfect atmosphere for the cats to socialize and interact with attendees at their own pace. Currently, there is no fixed schedule for the Animal Yoga class, but organizers plan to continue offering these unique sessions in the future.
Related Topics:
