This video is produced by and for Centre County Report and shared through a partnership with StateCollege.com.
Jillian Ford reports.
At Centre County PAWS, a yoga class comes with a twist: kittens.
Instructor Laura Van Velsor started Happy Dog Yoga three years ago, and now she’s offering the classes with cats, benefiting PAWS and its work as a shelter finding forever homes for pets. She says she created the classes after finding peace and strength through her furry friends, and as a way to help rescued animals while offering yoga opportunities.
‘I kind of attribute my dog as being one of my first yoga teachers, of getting me out of just the fluctuations of emotional things and all the things that can happen in your daily life,’ she said.
The class starts with a deep meditation. Once the lights go off, the kittens come out. Van Velsor said the class benefits the participants, and the cats as well. Usually each kitten is up for adoption. With a $15 suggested donation, one class can raise nearly $500 and the proceeds are donated to PAWS.
Van Velsor uses kittens in the 75 minute class to demonstrate what she thinks is the true meaning of yoga.
‘Yoga is about embracing being, whether its being awkward and silly or super-integrated and focused, you can find anything in yoga,’ she said.
