Around 30 residents and out-of-town visitors attended two puppy yoga sessions on Sunday, March 16, 2025.
The fundraiser, held in support of Sato Saved End of the Line Dog Rescue and Rehabilitation, saw around 20 foster puppies happily interacting with those in attendance.
“They were all from about six different litters, two of them were actually from a litter that we helped from Manitoba, but they’re all puppies that we have in the rescue right now that are available for adoption,” said Cassia Bryden, who runs Sato Saved. “We’ve held a few of these events over the last several weeks with puppies from just one litter, but this time was the first time we’ve brought a mish mash of litters and we’re pretty happy with the outcome. Hopefully we’ll be able to do it like this again in the future but it’s just about timing and making sure everyone’s vaccinated and dewormed properly so the puppies are happy and healthy.”
While there was certainly more cuddle action than there was actual yoga, participants were all smiles as the puppies went from mat to mat looking for pets and play time, or a lap to nap on.
“During the first session the puppies were definitely a bit more rowdy and our instructor kind of struggled to get her instructions out because she was just getting swarmed by puppies, but by the second session they were mostly sluggish and ready for a nap,” said Bryden with a laugh. “That’s all part of the fun of the event though because the reality is, there’s not many people who end up doing the yoga, a lot of the time they’re there just enjoying getting to watch the puppies be puppies.”
Bryden said the event is not only a great way to socialize the canines with humans and other puppies from different litters, but for several other reasons too.
“Most of the events we organize are to help raise awareness of who’s available for adoption, and to also help raise some money to vet and care for the puppies,” she said. “Usually the most challenging thing for rescues is the financial side of things because those vet bills can just be endless so this helps us for sure.”
She said another way they’re able to raise money is by having teamed up with Kidney Clothes Brantford.
“Some people can’t always afford to donate financially, but if they have kids and they find themselves with a ton of extra clothes, they can bring them to Kidney Clothes in Brantford where we held today’s event,” said Bryden. “Just let them know you’re dropping it off for us, and whatever they sell, they’ll be able to donate that back to us. It’s great because every $100 adds up, and we can use that for dog food or vaccinations. We really love this program with Kidney Clothes, it’s super helpful for us.”
Gilian Opolko and Cera Rees were just two participants who attended the Brantford puppy yoga event. They travelled all the way from the Kitchener area to attend after hearing about it on Facebook.
“We actually try to donate to this organization whenever possible because it’s just a really good cause. I love that they foster dogs that are at risk of being euthanized or really have no other place to go,” said Opolko. “It was a little hard to do yoga but while I was doing it, I was really trying to think positive thoughts for these puppies and I hope they have good lives.
Overall, Bryden said she was happy with the event and wanted to remind those in the region to spay and neuter their animals.
“There is not a single doubt in mind that the world would be a better place if more people fixed their dogs… it would save a whole lot of heart aches.”
For those are interested in becoming a foster with Sato Saved, they can do so by visiting: https://satosavedrescue.wixsite.com/satosaved/contact-us
To learn more about the rescue in general, check out the following Brant Beacon article: https://www.brantbeacon.ca/filling-a-vital-need-by-rescuing-and-rehabilitating-dogs/
Kimberly De Jong’s reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative.The funding allows her to report rural and agricultural stories from Blandford-Blenheim and Brant County. Reach her at kimberly.dejong@brantbeacon.ca.
