Yoga Dogs by Dan Borris

Photographer Dan Borris came across his first Yoga Dog, Otis - a two-year-old English Bull Terrier - who loved to do yoga with his friend Joy. Joy would be practicing her yoga in the mornings while Otis wandered around her legs, stopping now and again to lick her face as she did a headstand. Slowly but surely Otis began to imitate Joy. At first he tried out simple poses, ones that came naturally to him. As time went on Otis's poses became more and more complex, until finally he began his own practice. While Otis himself wasn't captured on film, he did lead Dan on his path to finding other four-legged Yogis.

Dan Borris is now a full fledged Yoga Dog hunter who has created two calendars featuring his yoga practicing dogs for two successive years. Dan Borris has also recently published a book. (See yoga practicing bear).

In this rare hand-tinted portrait from the Kutte Ka Studio in Agra (c. 1900), we see Swami Chote in Kukkutasana pose. This swami known for his diminutive size (chote means tiny in Hindi) and amazing flexibility became a sensation throughout India at the turn of the 19th century.

Viparita Salabhasana, inverted locust. Strengthens abdomen, lower back, buttocks, and legs. Boosts heart rate. Improves absorption of oxygen.Increases flexibility in spine. Stimulates cardiovascular and digestive systems. Opens energy channels along front of body.

Vrischikasana, scorpion pose. Tones spinal nerves. Increases blood flow to the brain and mind-body coordination. Revitalizes body systems.

Baddha Konasana, bound angle pose. Reduces asthma, flat feet, and high blood pressure. Improves general circulation. Stimulates heart. Relieves anxiety, fatigue, and mild depression. Soothes sciatica.

Urdhva Mukha Svanasana, upward-facing dog. Stretches shoulders, chest, lungs, and abdomen. Firms buttocks. Strengthens spine, arms, and wrists. Improves posture. Stimulates abdominal organs. Reduces asthma.

An unusual, modern snapshot from 1965 of West Coast Yoga Dog Romeo, taken on California’s Zuma Beach.

Adho Mukha Vrksasana, handstand. Stretches belly. Strengthens shoulders, arms, and wrists. Improves sense of balance.

Padangusthasana, toe stand. Strengthens belly. Relieves arthritis in hips and leg joints. Balances and focuses body and mind.

Yogi Rocky Barkjan, the original Hundalini Yoga Dog master.

[via PDN Photo of the day]