Stretch Goals: Amputee Center goes to the dogs with puppy yoga fundraiser

Yoga instructor Cat Lang-Bigley is distracted by Goldendoodle puppies during The Amputee Center’s puppy yoga event on Sunday. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

PARKERSBURG — The Amputee Center in Parkersburg, is changing lives by offering support and inclusion for individuals with limb loss and limb differences. This past Sunday, The Amputee Center held a Puppy Yoga Fundraiser led by Cat Lang-Bigley, an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT).

Lang-Bigley shared that the idea stemmed from the growing trend of “gimmick yoga” practices like goat yoga. While goat yoga didn’t appeal to her personally, she saw an opportunity to integrate animals into yoga in a way that would truly benefit the amputee community. All proceeds from the puppy yoga session will go toward funding an emotional support animal for those who attend The Amputee Center.

“With the donation base today, we should raise enough to pay for two amputees to get certified animals,” Lang-Bigley explained.

The puppy yoga session featured Goldendoodle puppies that were locally bred with the intention of becoming emotional support animals. According to Lang-Bigley, Goldendoodles are known for their intelligence and affectionate nature, which makes them ideal for providing comfort and assistance to individuals with limb loss.

The Amputee Center is a community-driven space that fosters inclusivity and empowerment. One of its core missions is to provide a safe and welcoming environment where individuals with disabilities can engage in physical activity without hesitation.

From left, Cambria Ott and Denise Headlee play with puppies prior to the start of The Amputee Center’s puppy yoga fundraiser on Sunday. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

“The idea is to let people with disabilities feel included,” Lang-Bigley said. “If someone with inhibitions doesn’t go into a gym, someone with limb loss is really not going to go. But if you come here, you can learn in a safe space, and then integrate into a class with people who don’t have amputations.”

The Amputee Center offers community classes that are open to everyone, not just amputees. Class fees help fund activities and keep costs free for amputees. According to Lang-Bigley, this is to help foster a sense of inclusion

For those looking to support The Amputee Center, there are several ways to contribute. The center maintains a strong presence on Facebook and Instagram, where it shares updates on events and programs. Community members can help by attending classes, as a portion of the proceeds go directly toward funding activities for amputees. For those interested in donating directly to The Amputee Center there is an option on their website, www.theamputeecenter.com to make one-time or monthly contributions.

Gwen Sour can be reached at gsour@newsandsentinel.com

Cat Lang-Bigley encourages a puppy to join her on the yoga mat during The Amputee Center’s puppy yoga event on Sunday. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

Attendees to The Amputee Center’s puppy yoga fundraiser enjoy a stretch while snuggling with Goldendoodle puppies. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

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