Yoga With Kittens raises funds for shelter

Aug 5, 2023

Rachel Branstrom Daily PressKittens join in a yoga class at the Delta Animal Shelter recently. Yoga With Kittens is a fundraiser for the shelter.

ESCANABA –On Thursday, July 27, Delta Animal Shelter hosted a “Yoga With Kittens” fundraiser led by yoga instructor Ilana Minor of Garden. Minor donated her time to the cause, as she has done in the past for one other “Yoga With Kittens” and two “Yoga With Puppies” sessions. Participants paid a $20 fee to join the hour-long activity at the animal shelter, where 11 small kittens and one large cat climbed and played and mewed around and on them.

Three litters of kittens were involved, climbing over legs and playing with toys provided to guests upon their arrival. Six kittens from one litter were brought by foster care provider Julie Theoret, and the shelter had a pair and a trio from another two litters. Theoret’s family took part in the “yoga” as well — Though for many, it ended up as simply an exercise in petting and taking pictures of kittens.

Minor, a schoolteacher, completed her yoga training at Michigan State University while earning her undergraduate degree. She made sure to point out in the beginning of the session that she would be leading the yoga for those who wanted a light workout, but it was not expected for everyone to actually follow everything unless they wanted to. At least once she threw in a “Reach to the left — and if you want to pet a kitten while you’re down there, go ahead…”

A resident adoptable cat, Big Boy, meandered amongst the activity. The intention had been to hold the event in an enclosed yard outdoors, but bright sun and temperatures pushing 80 degrees led staff to decide that the activity would be more enjoyable inside the air-conditioned shelter.

Funds from the event will support the animal shelter’s daily needs. The kittens will be available for adoption when they are old enough to be spayed or neutered and microchipped.

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