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An elderly woman in a gray cardigan reaches out on a green mat while a chestnut Golden Retriever lies stretched beside her. 16 / 36

Grandma Odessa Rolled Out Her Yoga Mat. Copper Was Already On It.

AI imagegolden retrieverstretchingliving room

The living room has been cleared just enough for a green yoga mat, and Grandma Odessa is easing into a gentle stretch. In a gray cardigan over a plum top, silver curls and glasses catching the lamplight, she reaches forward with both hands. Copper lies right alongside her on the same mat, chin down and front legs reaching long, the dark red-brown coat spilling over the edge of the mat in soft waves. It looks like he is doing the stretch with her, one step at a time. In the background, a table, shelves of blankets, a basket of toys and warm lamps fill a comfortable room.

Gentle stretching is a nice routine for many older adults, and a dog who joins in is a good motivator. Dogs do their own stretches, like the play bow with the front down and rear up, and often do them after a nap. A calm, slow session on a mat is great for people, but go at your own pace and talk to your doctor if you have any concerns. For dogs, a nonslip surface helps protect joints, and Golden Retrievers may be prone to joint issues as they age, so talk to your vet about exercise that suits your dog. Fresh water and a rest afterward round out the routine.

Grandma Odessa breathes in, and Copper breathes out. It is a very small yoga class with a very good student.

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