Last weekend, the two collaborated for a Yoga and Adoption event, looking to raise funds for Empire Animal Rescue Society, or E.A.R.S., and to also raise awareness of the amount of puppies out there that are in need of being adopted and taken to forever homes. E.A.R.S. is based out of Cattaraugus County and is a foster based rescue. With no main shelter they only take in animals for what they have foster space for and are always accepting donations.

The event involved two yoga sessions, and president of Pip-Skey’s Foundation, Chrissy Conklin, said they had 40 participants overall. The event also included basket raffles and a number of local vendors that also donated their time and money towards the event.

“E.A.R.S brought along some adoptable puppies and brought them in and out of each of the yoga sessions because we had to split them up because of their sizes,” Conklin said. “It was incredibly successful and a lot of the participants said it was a feel good activity, and enjoyable to know they were giving back to the community by doing it.”

For many, Conklin said, it was not about the workout but about being present at the event. All of the yoga session spots were filled and the event was open to the public for the raffles and people interested in adopting. Conklin said the event was so successful that they already have had other local businesses reach out about collaborating for more yoga events.

Puppies of all sizes were brought in and out of each yoga session by E.A.R.S.

“Our organization tries to focus on collaborating with other rescues and local businesses to help support animals,” Conklin said. “E.A.R.S. has a significant number of animals they take in and the costs are very expensive so they depend on events like this to fundraise, and it’s important to us to help do that as the money goes towards caring for the animals.”

Kristie Lyon with Evolution Strength and Fitness said being able to do the event to her was important as well, as she has always had a compassion for rescue animals, with seven of her own at home.

“Being a business owner I have the ability to help raise money and awareness for rescues with the space of our gym,” Lyon said. “The amount of work that rescues do to help animals in need many times gets overlooked. Rescue animals tend to get the short straw because people don’t know their backgrounds. I can honestly say that we have rescued several adult pets and they are the most loving and wonderful pets out there.”

A client asked Lyon if puppy yoga was something they would ever consider, which she said they immediately agreed to and knew they wanted to choose to do it for E.A.R.S., as they are based outside of Chautauqua County, but take on many animals from the county. This includes some who would not have survived without them.

“We have adopted from E.A.R.S. years ago and still have our Lily who we wouldn’t trade for the world,” Lyon said. “We need to keep pushing people to meet these animals who are in foster homes or at humane societies and understand that adopting a rescue pet is far more rewarding in the long run. We absolutely enjoyed our event and will continue to partner with E.A.R.S. and more rescues to help spread awareness and raise money for these animals.”

The yoga sessions were all full at the event, but the basket raffle was open to the public, including for those who came interested in adopting.

Lyon also thanked Pip-Skey’s for their collaboration in making the event possible and helping to raise money and support local rescues.

Conklin said the hope is to be able to collaborate with other local businesses in the future for other events to continue to help raise money for rescues, especially to help see more puppies get adopted, adding that January and February are slow adoption months.

People can help out rescues in multiple ways besides going to these kinds of events, Conklin said, including through fostering if they have the ability to do so, or donating food or supplies, or even making a payment at any vet clinic local rescues use or have an account at. People can also share social media posts to help bring awareness to adoptable animals, or volunteer their time.

“Everyone can make a difference in the lives of these animals somehow,” Conklin said.

Any local business interested in collaborating with Pip-Skey’s for a fundraising event can reach them at pipskeysfoundation@gmail.com. For more information on E.A.R.S. visit empirerescue.org.