Farmington Animal Shelter Brings Puppy Yoga to Recreation Center Saturday

The Farmington Regional Animal Shelter is swapping the kennel for a yoga mat Saturday, bringing adoptable puppies to the Farmington Recreation Center at 1101 Fairgrounds Road for a two-hour event that runs from 10 a.m. to noon.

The event features two sessions in 30-minute increments, each capped at 25 participants. Admission is $3 payable at the door, no registration required, and the event is open to all ages. Yoga mats are provided, though attendees are welcome to bring their own.

Amber Francisco, program manager at the Farmington Regional Animal Shelter, is candid about what to expect once the puppies enter the room. "Sometimes there is a little less yoga and a lot more laughter at the antics of the puppies," she said. The shelter provides the pups, and while they may not master downward dog, Francisco notes many have proven themselves "shoe-stealing experts." She added that the activity benefits the animals as much as the participants: the sessions tire the pups out and serve as a valuable way to socialize future pets.

Each session moves through a welcome and setup, a yoga practice, puppy play time, and adoption information, giving attendees a direct path from the mat to meeting a potential new companion.

Speaking of companions, Bridgette is currently available at the shelter and worth meeting. An approximately 2-year-old spayed Labrador mix, she weighs about 35 pounds and arrived as a former stray. Described as gentle, friendly, and good with other dogs, Bridgette has walked with children and families since arriving at the shelter and handles a leash well.

A second puppy yoga session, listed as free, is planned for April 25 at the Farmington Regional Animal Shelter. The shelter's Bark in the Park event is also scheduled that same day at 11 a.m. at Animas/Berg Park. For information on upcoming sessions, call the shelter at (505) 599-1098.