It’s well-known that time with animals relieves stress. It’s difficult to cuddle with a happy, playful kitten and not feel at least a little better about the dark, dark world. At Homeward Pet, we thought we could do one better by combining two stress-relieving activities into one: light yoga and time with a goofy litter of kittens.

And so once the 20 or so yogis lined up their mats around the room, we brought in the carriers with the five kittens and their mama inside. Lots of squeals, laughter, and awws accompanied the kittens’ dramatic entrance. Sweet Potato, Rutabaga, Turnip, Beet, Carrot, and Radish bounded around the room to the enjoyment of their audience, occasionally adjusting visitors’ forms with well-placed jumps. Yoga instructor Vicki generously donated her time, leading the whole group in relaxation and stretching despite the (frequent!) distractions.

It wasn’t a traditional yoga class by any means, but we’re pretty sure everyone had a good time. A few participants paused in their poses when kittens leapt on their backs.  Savasana, where yogis lay quiet and still on the floor in the name of relaxation, was punctuated by laughter from kittens bouncing from stomach to stomach. Turnip and Radish, more cuddlers than exercise enthusiasts, spent most of the class snuggling in participants’ arms while Rutabaga, Carrot, and Beet hammed it up, leaping at ponytails, phone screens, and anything vaguely interesting.

All participants left with a strong knowledge of Cat Pose, which our kitten instructors were very gracious in teaching them.

With the success of the first session, Kitten Yoga Round 2 will be happening on October 9. Tickets sold out within 4 hours of being released; the kitten instructors say they’re “very, very excited” for the second session and “can’t wait to inspire relaxation and positivity” with their antics.

Indy has been through so much. One of our partner shelters in eastern Washington brought him in as a stray, visibly underweight. When he arrived at Homeward Pet, we thought that removing a benign tumor from his shoulder would be the last of what he’d have to endure on the road to health and happiness. After surgery, he was healing well—walking without a limp, bounding after squirrels, and rolling in the grass.

But still, something wasn’t quite right. Indy continued to suffer from upset stomach and vomiting, resulting in dehydration. Concerned, our clinic staff arranged for x-rays of Indy’s stomach. He was diagnosed with severe gastroenteritis—inflamed stomach tissue. With some medicine, IV fluids, and rest, Indy should have had a full recovery. But that wasn’t the case.

Indy standing tall a few days after emergency surgery saved his life

It happened so quickly. We found him vomiting in his kennel, anxiously panting and pacing. His stomach was swollen and causing him obvious discomfort.

We rushed him to an emergency vet. It required the expertise of four veterinary doctors to diagnose and treat his gastric dilatation-volvulus, commonly known as bloat. Exploratory surgery revealed the lethal situation: Indy’s stomach had twisted shut a full 360 degrees, trapping gas and fluid inside and sending him into shock from loss of blood flow. He didn’t have days; he had hours.

But thanks to supporters like you, Indy’s life was saved. Surgeons untwisted his stomach, restoring blood supply to his organs. His stomach was carefully stitched in place, making sure he would never have to endure such a traumatic surgery again.

The financial security provided by you, our supporters, allows us to make lifesaving decisions when there is no easy course of action. Without your help, we may not have been able to act as quickly and provide Indy the chance to be a happy and healthy companion.

Homeward Pet veterinarian Dr. Jenny Brown listens to Indy’s heart and lungs

Please make a generous gift to help more animals like Indy. With your help and steady support, we can continue to step in during a crisis and provide the best care for homeless dogs and cats in need.

Sincerely,

Marie Wolfanger
Homeward Pet Interim Executive Director

The kennels of Homeward Pet were unusually quiet Saturday evening as 25 Homeward Pet alumni rested in new homes. Thanks to local community enthusiasm and your help spreading the word, adoption events like Clear the Shelters are always exciting for Homeward Pet staff, volunteers, adopters, and pets. We joined 700 shelters nationwide, offering fee-waived adoptions on all animals over 3 years old. Nationally, 88,000 pets went home on Saturday.

The lead-up to the big day is always exciting: publicity and anticipation draws in those who may not have previously adopted from a shelter. Animals who are often overlooked, like seniors or those with medical or behavioral needs, get a chance to put their best paw forward for a whole slew of potential adopters.

And many of our longer-term residents did!

By the end of the long day of first meetings, tail wags, and purrs, 25 animals found new homes.  Three senior cats—Gloria, Gentry, and Summer—and 4 senior dogs—Isabell, Mika, Maddie, and Crumpet—all met welcoming and doting families.

Below you can see just a few of the pups and cats who met their match on Saturday.

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