Before I accepted my job in rural Missouri, I researched yoga classes in the area.
I’d been in New York City long enough to have become one of those people who counted on regular yoga classes to keep me centered, balanced, and, well…sane.
Yoga was a big enough deal to me that I wouldn’t have accepted the job here if I hadn’t found a place in Farmington that offered regular yoga classes.
When I walked into my first class, I was disappointed to find that I was the only person in the room under 40. It didn’t take me long, though, to realize that my elders could kick my butt ten times over in some of the poses. Maybe 40 isn’t so bad afterall. 
One of my favorite people in the class is also one of the oldest. A retired California police officer (or maybe sheriff?)-turned beefalo (half cow, half buffalo) farmer, this gentleman would arrive to class in overalls and work boots, underneath which he donned sweatpants and a t-shirt for class. By his side was always his white miniature poodle, Bridgette.
Bridgette became one of the bright spots in my weeks when my transition from NYC to MO was at its hardest points this spring and summer. She would curl up on a pillow beside her owner’s mat and nap through class, and when she woke up to stretch, she did her own little doggy yoga with her big, sleepy puppy stretch (i.e. downward facing dog).
A few weeks ago, Bridgette was diagnosed with lung cancer. This Monday when I arrived to class, her owner was there but she was not. They’d put her to sleep that same morning, and her absence in the class left a sinking spot in my chest.
It’s amazing what a very small part of one person’s life can do to help make very big, very hard pieces of her life more bearable. Bridgette truly was a bright spot in a fairly dark transition for me, and I’m sure she was a shining star in the lives of the man and woman who had to put her down on Monday.
I found myself fighting back tears as we ended Monday night’s class. RIP, little yoga dog Bridgette. This yoga girl misses you.
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Westmount Wellness World is located at 164 Westmount Drive in Farmington, Missouri, on the back side of the Citizen’s Chiropractic Office. Yoga, Meditation and Tai Chi classes are all offered at Westmount Wellness World. For more information, visit www.citizenschiropractic.com.
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Very well said, DD. Great post.