Meet Peggy and Molly, new members of the yoga team at County Yoga Loft.

They are considered a part of County Yoga Loft because let’s face it, cats and dogs are natural yogis with their strength and flexibility, ability to relax, all while remaining in the present moment deeply.   However, after allowing them to hang out with me during Saturday’s class, they will no longer participate except for the occasional special appearance. During class, Molly ran around the studio and insisted on sitting on the windowsill when there isn’t one.  Peggy was pretty content, but I’m sure her warthog snores made it impossible for anyone to relax. 

Neither Ben nor I have had a dog since we were kids, and many of my Toronto students may remember our two black cats, Angus and Stella. They often interrupted classes with their sweet meows at the studio window, desperate to come inside. We had Angus until 2013 and Stella until 2018.  

Since we arrived in Picton almost 2 years ago, I’ve wanted to get another cat and also a dog because we now have the time to make them a priority. We felt it best to wait until most of our renovations were complete. Then in the earlier part of May, one of my Facebook friends posted the above pic indicating that Peggy and Molly were available for adoption.  It was instant love, and I immediately applied.  I didn’t hear back from the shelter and assumed they had been adopted.  Since then, I continued to look for other adoptees without much luck.  

Last Tuesday, we had a long chat and decided to place this whole process on hold until September because we are painting the exterior of our home and anticipate many visitors this summer.  As life would have it, the shelter called the next day, stating that Peggy and Molly were available again.  I was over the moon, but Ben made me promise to think about it for 24 hours.  I woke up on Thursday morning and was 100% certain that I wanted to adopt them and picked them up that afternoon. 

Peggy is a 10-year-old lab mix, and Molly is a 2-year-old kitty. They are very bonded and had to be adopted together. Their owner died, and the shelter took them in early May. Since then, they have been adopted twice and returned. We are their 5th and final home. They are settling as we sort out routines and ensure that they feel secure and loved.

As we embrace the lovely additions to our family, we are reminded of how much pets give back.  We are fortunate that we can provide them with a home that they deserve, but this is nothing compared to what they have given us, even in such a short time.  

No wonder so much has been written about the positive impact a pet can have on one’s mental health and why adoption rates quadrupled during the pandemic.  Pets provide you with routine and responsibility, and if you have a dog-they force you to get outside a few times a day.   I’m amazed at how many conversations I’ve had during my walks with Peggy and how popular our girls have become.  

Dogs offer a constant reminder of the importance of unconditional love and pure acceptance.  Cats provide us with play, adventure, curiosity and a reminder to be independent and authentic.  The perfect Yin and Yang.   

Be well.

Anita