People practice yoga not only for the physical benefits, like increased strength and flexibility, but also for the mental and emotional health benefits — like a sense of calm and relaxation and a deeper mind-body connection.
So who thought Goat Yoga would be a good idea?
Goats aren’t exactly known for being chill, but goat yoga has become popular in recent years, since an Oregon farmer (and goat owner) and her yoga instructor came up with the idea.
Goat yoga came to Petland Norwin in North Huntingdon on July 6, as a fundraiser for the Yukon-based Pet Adoption League.
Goat owner and PAL manager Jo Smith supplied three mama Nigerian dwarf goats and nine kids for the event. Helping to wrangle them were volunteers April Steele, Tara Ford and Julie Hillwig.
The goats made themselves right at home in Petland’s doggy daycare area, frolicking and nuzzling up to about 40 yoga participants.
It’s hard to do a downward- facing dog when a goat is investigating your mat or trying to eat your shirt. So, it might not have been the most zen experience, but it sure was a lot of fun.
“I don’t like yoga,” said participant Stephanie Vozar of North Huntingdon. “I came strictly for the goats.”
Also coming for the goats were April Morrison, Kieren Morrison, Robin Vanestenberg, Chelsea Korber, Britney Zwergel, Rachelle Rush, Ashley Hayden, Michelle Andrykovitch, Christy Wichelmann, Savanna Wichelmann, Tammi Chunko, Jennifer D’Amico, Katie Kolcek, Amy McConnell and Gretchen Karcher, mother of Petland owners Kurt Karcher and Ted Karcher.
Instructor was Siobhan Sickels of Pittsburgh, with Arbonne International, a natural products marketing company that also does wellness and workout events for local charities.
