Yoga dogs and being mindful

I am embarrassed to admit this, but I use a daily planner and it isn’t connected to my phone. I giggle every time I make an appointment in it because it’s a yoga puppy planner. It features various dogs in really bizarre yoga poses. It always makes me smile.

OK, I know that dogs can’t move like the photos, but the effect is terrific. You can check it out at yogadogz.com. My favorite is Peaches the dog and Milo the cat in the Lord of the Dance pose.

I would like to be able to do some of the poses, but I know that I would end up with pulled muscles, strained bones and a grumpy disposition. Who needs that kind of stress? I certainly don’t.

Recently I received a publication from Harvard Health. The title is “Mindfulness and Your Dog” — I have always equated yoga, relaxation and mindfulness as a package deal. I was really interested to read what the “experts” said about dogs and their effect on mindfulness.

Mindfulness is the ability to live each moment as it unfolds and accept it without judgment. This practice can help you reduce stress and enhance health. If you really observe your dog when you are walking, you can see this in action. Dogs focus on the now; they sniff and run about but are present in the moment. Each walk is an adventure.

The moment is actually all we have, so enjoy the sunshine, fresh air and blue sky. Focus your attention on the moment and enjoy your dog’s delight at being with you in the outdoors.

Mindfulness is a lifelong practice that can help you better appreciate the here and now.

By focusing on the here and now, you may find yourself not getting caught up in worries or regrets. Watson definitely knows the secret of focusing on the present as he is a source of joy each and every day. Now all I have to do is teach him yoga. We will make a fortune in daily planners.

WHO’S WHO

Our Who’s Who this week are the wonderful folks of Fallon who have sent checks to buy dog food. When I was voting, Peggy Graham mentioned how much she wanted to support our guests and had sent a check for food. It is this kind of commitment to our no-kill-shelter that makes the difference. A Paws Up to Peggy for her kindness.

WHO’S NEW AT THE CAPS’ ZOO?

This week we are featuring two heeler-border collie puppies who are five months old. Frankie and Katie are beautiful, bouncy, bundles of fun. They will soon be ready for adoption. so if you are interested please call CAPS for details. These puppies are cute!

Policy, however, prohibits adopting out puppies or kittens under the age of six months to a home with children under five years of age. This is to protect both the children and the animal.

CAPS’ NEWS AND EVENTS

CAPS will be at Walmart tomorrow along with Ki and Tucker at our Kissin’ Booth. Please come by and give our boys a big hug and kiss. We have caps, short sleeved T-shirts, hoodies and sweatshirts so please check them out before or after greeting our canine volunteers. You can also pre-order the 2017 Happy Endings Calendar.

CAPS’ annual garage sale will be on August 5 and 6. We need your gently used appliances, furniture, tennis rackets, treadmills, clothing and miscellaneous items. If you have items to donate, call Rita Hand at 775-423-6346 or 775-427-3376. Please leave a message if necessary, and Rita will return your call as soon as she can

Congratulations to the current winner of the Flower Tree Nursery raffle. A huge thank you to everyone who bought tickets. Flower Tree will again be raffling a 15-gallon autumn fantasy maple. The drawing date is Sept. 15, and the winner doesn’t have to be present to win. Raffle tickets are available at Flower Tree, and they are $1 for one ticket and $5 for six tickets.

CAPS’ mailing address is P.O. Box 5128, Fallon, NV 89407. CAPS’ phone number is 775-423-7500. Please visit our Facebook page (Churchill Animal Protection Society). Be sure to “Like” CAPS on Facebook because we are really likable.

Our website is presently undergoing construction. Watch this column for the grand opening of our new site.

Do you have questions, comments or a great story? Contact me jkwmil@outlook.com.

Kathleen Williams-Miller, a CAPS volunteer, contributed this week’s column.