Mountain Views News          Saturday, September 3, 2016

11

HEALTHY LIFESTYLES

JUST FOR BEST FRIENDS

Mountain Views-News Saturday, September 3, 2016 


THE JOY OF YOGA

ASPIRATIONS – AT THE RIGHT PACE


INNOVATIVE WAYS TO 
CARE FOR YOUR SENIOR 
CANINE COMPANION

Happy Tails

by Chris Leclerc

Yoga offers the 
wholeness of 
both physical and 
spiritual wellness 
to all students who 
participate. The pace 
of learning and practicing is always set by the student’s 
willingness and desire. There is freedom to take what 
resonates at the moment and freedom to leave the rest for 
later, if at all.

 There are no “right” paths or practices to experiencing 
the state of yoga. Chanting turns off some students who 
associate it with specific religions while, conversely, being in 
a class entirely made up of “pretzel” like postures or rigorous 
vinyasa cannot feel spiritual enough to others. Often, a 
student is led into the deeper transformative teachings of 
yoga by a strong, vinyasa flow practice. Or students arrive 
through any number of other traditions including Buddhist 
Mindfulness or Zen Meditation to connect spiritually. So, 
instead, I change the word “right” to effective. 

 In the yogic and tantric (ancient yoga) traditions, keenly 
effective practices are used in an effort to improve the 
quality of one’s life. For example, two of the most effective 
practices are pranayama and mantra which lead to changes 
in energy and mind in the most efficient, fastest way 
possible. Life is evolving every day anyway; why not have it 
be transformative?

 Any great teacher or sage that you encounter is universal 
in their wisdom and makes it easy to understand. Yoga 
is inclusive and involves the shared wisdom of a wealth of 
ancient practices working in synthesis to improve physical 
health, energetic awareness, and spiritual connection. 
The spirituality is woven into the practices. As a student 
desires to learn more, their practice will progress with their 
aspirations. Therefore, each person has a unique experience 
resulting from the culmination of their individual life 
experience, advanced studies, and teachers encountered 
along the way. 

 If there is resistance, it is possible that the teachings do 
not resonate at the present moment. It is also possible the ego 
may be involved in the resistance. In our pursuit of freedom, 
transformation, and happiness, an open mind is always 
needed. With patience and openness, you will move forward 
in your physical and spiritual wellbeing – at the right pace for 
you. 

 You are cordially invited to come practice with me at 
Yoga Madre. There are so many excellent, knowledgeable 
teachers there; my classes specifically are Tuesdays at 6pm 
and Fridays at 11am. See you then! 

Namaste and Love, 

Keely Totten

Ever wonder if there was more you could have done, 
or could be doing to keep your older dog healthier 
and happier in it’s golden years? I often think about 
what I could have done to provide a better quality 
of life to my girl, “Tater” when she started showing 
signs of her age before she passed away 2 years ago. 
She was almost 13 years old at the time, and I was 
still learning (as I always am) about the health and 
emotional needs of a senior dog. Although I know 
for sure she got plenty of love and attention, I can’t 
help thinking there was more I could have done to 
keep her comfortable in her last days.

 My current dog, “Molly” is enjoying the adult 
years her life, and I am pleased to have the many 
resources made available by recent research and 
by my veterinarian Dr. Sylvia Domotor who has 
gained a wealth of knowledge about caring for 
elderly dogs over the many years she‘s been in 
practice. Dr. Domotor’s wise advice to owners of 
senior dogs is to recognize that they are indeed old 
and are unable to do many of the things they were 
able to do when they were young.

 It is not a lot different than what happens when 
we humans get old. “Patience is number one” she 
said in a conversation we had regarding caring for 
older canines. “Sometimes we forget how old they 
are. Dogs are considered seniors at 7 and that is 
when they begin to loose their hearing, their eye-
sight and their olfactory senses. Understanding 
why an elderly pet might poop or pee in 
inappropriate places, or fail to respond to a recall is 
very important in having patience with them.”

 Although manufacturers do tend to exploit 
the ever-growing market for pet care products, 
statistics indicate that dogs are living longer these 
days, presumably due to improved technology in 
veterinary care and the development of innovative 
products to help accommodate the specials needs 
of our furry senior friends. 

 Specially formulated kibble, therapeutic beds, 
specialized food bowl designs, ramps to help get 
up into the car, restraining harnesses for the ride, 
diapers for incontinence, dietary supplements, 
herbs and holistic remedies designed to cosset a 
senior dog through its last years are among the 
many new products found on the 
shelves today. Doting pet owners 
find it hard to resist blowing the 
bundle to help their four-legged 
family member, and I am most 
definitely one of them.

 Besides the many products now 
available to help keep a senior pet 
comfortable and as healthy as 
possible, spending quality time 
with an older dog is extremely 
important for their mental and 
physical health. When she was 
about 11 years old, I noticed that 
my girl Tater had become more demanding of my 
attention than ever before and I attribute most of 
that neediness to her age.

 Tater’s favorite time of day was when I’d come 
home after a long day of walking other dogs, and 
lay up on the couch where she insisted on joining 
me for an afternoon nap. I always let her lay with 
me, even though she was enormous and took 
up all the space, because I knew she needed that 
time with me. She’d let out a low groan, and lay 
her huge head on my shoulder where she’d fall 
asleep and snore into my ear. I will always have 
wonderful memories of her climbing up on the 
couch where she’d get a fine ration of hugs and 
loving!

 I find it amazing how human’s priorities change 
when it comes to caring for an elderly dog. One 
example that comes to mind is when singer 
Fiona Apple cancelled the South American leg 
of her tour a few years ago, so she could fly back 
home and stay with her ailing 14-year old pit bull 
“Janet”. Considering how much money she must 
have forfeited to make that choice, not to mention 
disappointing thousands of fans, that says a lot 
about how much she loved her dog.

 In one part of a heart-warming apology letter 
to her fans, Apple wrote: “I know she is coming 
close to the time where she will stop being a dog, 
and start instead to be part of everything. She’ll be 
in the wind, and in the soil, and the snow, and in 
me, wherever I go. I just can’t leave her now, please 
understand. If I go away again, I’m afraid she’ll die 
and I won’t have the honor of singing her to sleep, 
of escorting her out. . .”

 As dog lovers, I think we can all relate to 
what Fiona Apple was going through, and 
we understand why she made it a priority to 
spend quality time with her beloved old girl, 
Janet versus continuing her tour. I can’t think 
of anything that could keep me away from my 
Molly when her time is close in coming. For now 
I will make it a priority to enjoy the years we do 
have together, God willing. They give us so much 
unconditional love, and nothing - including 
money or fame can possibly compare to that.


My, my Delilah! 
Want the purr-
fect cat? Look 
no further! 
Delilah is as 
sweet as she 
can be--very 
loving! This 
fluffy bundle 
can be held, 
cuddled, and 
loves attention. 
Tortoiseshells, 
like her, 
are highly 
desirable. Make her yours! Delilah is about age 1.5.

 Lifeline for Pets is a small no-kill rescue organization, 
and we know our cats well. We show some of our cats 
most Sunday afternoons at Petsmart, 3347 E. Foothill 
Blvd. in Pasadena, 12:30-3:30. 

 Adoption fee is $100, which includes spay, microchip, 
& vaccine. Our cats are negative FELV/FIV unless 
otherwise indicated. 

 See adoption application, more pictures, & videos on 
our website, www.lifelineforpets.org. Or call 626-676-
9505. Sorry, we are not accepting cats at this time.

 Facebook: www.facebook.com/lifelineforpets.
pasadena. Email: info@lifelineforpets.org

LOOKING FOR A BEST FRIEND?

Marty is a very sweet Shih Tzu mix who was 
picked up as a stray. Marty is a medium-sized 
dog weighing around 25 pounds, and is estimated 
to be 4 years old. Marty has an easy-going 
disposition and gets along well with other dogs he 
has met. He is very easy to harness and walks well 
on leash without pulling or 
running. He has not shown 
a lot of interest in toys 
or in vigorous play with 
other dogs. Marty prefers 
to sit next to his human 
companion on the sidelines 
and take in whatever 
activity is going on around 
him as a spectator. Marty 
does not demand a lot of 
attention, but he does enjoy 
the company of people and 
is happy to get pets, belly 
rubs, and treats. 

 Marty is a very polite, 
gentle dog who is easy to love.If you are looking 
for a pleasant companion dog, Marty might be 
just the right choice for you. Come in to meet this 
charming gentleman soon. 

 His adoption fee is $130, which includes neuter 
surgery, a microchip, first vaccinations and a free 
wellness check-up at a participating veterinarian. 
Feel free to call us at (626) 286-1159 for more 
information on Marty. He currently resides at 
the San Gabriel Valley Humane Society located at 
851 E. Grand Avenue in San 
Gabriel which is located off 
San Gabriel Blvd, north of 
Mission and south of Las 
Tunas Drive. To arrange 
a ‘Meet and Greet’ with 
Marty, please stop by any 
time from 10:30am to 
4:30pm Tuesday through 
Sunday.Website:www.
sgvhumane.org. 

 Go to smile.amazon.com 
and find the San Gabriel 
Valley Humane Society 
and every time you buy 
something 0.5% will be 
donated to the shelter! It’s easy to do and helps 
the shelter with every purchase you make! Let 
your friends know about this simple way to make 
a difference!


PET OF THE WEEK: JASMINE: ANIMAL ID #A4986118


Jasmine (A4986118) is an endearing 1-year-old, 
white female Maltese and Miniature Poodle puppy 
who was found in West Covina and brought to the 
Baldwin Park Animal Care Center on August 23rd. 
Weighing 8 pounds, Jasmine is a too-cute girl with 
a sweet disposition to match. When her handler 
greeted her in her kennel, Jasmine was initially timid. 
But the handler simply sat patiently in the kennel 
with Jasmine and soon earned her trust. Once out of 
her kennel, Jasmine accepted her leash but was too 
scared to walk around on it, preferring just to receive 
pets from her new friend. This is one girl who is sure 
to blossom with the confidence that comes from 
living in a forever home. With her gorgeous amber 
eyes and black button nose, Jasmine will surely 
be a loving and grateful companion in return. To 
watch a video of Jasmine, please visit the following 
link: https://youtu.be/zl4LKS0jSrw. If you are 
interested in Jasmine, please contact her volunteer 
UHA adoption coordinator, Viri, at 626-318-2038 or 
at vfloera@gmail.com.

 To learn more about United Hope for 
Animals’ partnership with the Baldwin Park 
Shelter, as well as the many dogs of all breeds, 
ages, and sizes available for adoption in local 
shelters, visit http://www.unitedhope4animals.
org/about-us/shelter-support-program/.



Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com