Dogs With Jobs

Lorna Cowan falls head over heels for a gentle surrogate “mum" called Ollie, who cares for yoga puppies.

LOOKING after your health and wellbeing has never been so important, and for many of us yoga is a great way to relax and unwind.

Can you imagine, then, how wonderful you would feel if some puppies joined you in an exercise class - under the watchful eye of Ollie, a caring Staffordshire bull terrier cross.

"The main job of Ollie and the puppies is to provide wellness and mental health benefits to attendees of our yoga sessions," Paige Alexander, Founder and Event Manager of Puppy Yoga London, explains.

"It's been a hard couple of years for everyone, and now as life goes back to normal, and the everyday stresses of home, work and school start to kick in again, interaction with animals can really help with a person's state of mind.

"You can stretch, relax and laugh with some new furry friends, and just be in the moment for a short space of time without worrying about anything else." Eight-year-old Ollie belongs to Paige, and has taken on the role of mum to the many different puppies who visit the studios.

"The classes help puppies socialise with new people and different environments before they go off to their new homes.

"It's a safe yet fun space, which allows them to gain confidence and independence before they live with their for ever families.

"A well-socialised puppy is more likely to grow up to be a friendly and outgoing dog. Ollie does an excellent job looking after them all."

Paige explains that although Ollie has never had puppies herself, you I can see she is maternal.

"The puppies can be quite nervous when they first arrive, but Ollie is there to greet them.