Pilates for Paws combines fitness, dogs for good cause

PASADENA, Calif. (KABC) -- There are all kinds of ways to raise money for a good cause, and this one is literally a bit of a stretch.

"You can use the weight of the dog to stretch the back," said Kathi Braidhill of Pilates Pasadena.

At the Pasadena Humane Society, two- and four-legged creatures took a paw-lates class of sorts, raising money for food, care and shelter of homeless animals.

Claire Bauer and her rescue dog Zeke were both novice to the format.

"He's doing better than I thought he would do. It just took him a little while to get warmed up, but I think he's been doing OK," said Bauer about Zeke.

Braidhill said all skill levels will find it offers a fresh way to do a workout.

"We're raising money for the Humane Society by doing 'Pilates for Paws,' which is a unique exercise program which I developed where you're using your dogs for apparatus," said Braidhill.

The workout is less of a gimmick and more of a fun attention getter. Braidhill says using your pup as a pilates prop can have merit.

"We can use the smaller dogs as a strength challenge, and we can use the bigger dogs as assistance in help doing roll downs," said Braidhill.

Braidhill's workout is $10, with proceeds going to the Humane Society. Outreach Director Jamie Holeman feels it's a great way for you and your dog to exercise while providing funds to shelter homeless animals and cover the cost to spay, neuter and vaccine.

"We take in about 12,000 animals every year that includes dogs, cats, bunnies all sorts of things also wild life," said Holeman.

The next Pilates for Paws class is Friday, Jan. 29 in the evening at the Pasadena Humane Society.