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An elderly Black woman in a grey sweater does a toe stretch on a yoga mat as a tricolor Australian Shepherd lies on it. 27 / 28

Mae Rolled Out Her Yoga Mat for a Morning Stretch. Bandit Took It Very Literally.

AI imageaustralian shepherdstretchingliving room

Legs straight, back long, fingertips reaching for bare toes. Mae sits on a charcoal yoga mat in her living room, wearing a soft grey sweater and black leggings, easing into a gentle forward stretch with quiet concentration. Bandit has joined in his own way, lying flat on the same mat with his front legs stretched out in front of him and his chin lowered, his black-and-copper face turned toward the camera with a look that says he's mastered this pose. A cozy beige sofa with a knit throw, a basket of colorful dog toys, a mug on a side table, and a leafy plant fill out the bright room.

Gentle stretching can help many older adults maintain flexibility and ease of movement, and making it a daily ritual adds structure to the morning. It's always wise to check with a doctor before starting a new exercise routine and to move slowly without bouncing. Dogs often love to join floor activities simply because their person is at their level, and some even mimic the long, front-leg stretch that's sometimes called the play bow. Australian Shepherds are active, athletic dogs, and they benefit from regular exercise that includes warm-ups and cool-downs, especially if they participate in agility or other dog sports. If your dog joins your workout, keep the space clear so neither of you trips, and make sure he has a soft, non-slip surface for lying down.

Mae may still be working toward touching her toes, but Bandit is clearly a natural. Every stretch session is better with a cheerful classmate.

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