A Labrador Named Julie: Ageing Actively with K9Yoga!

Written by Candice Segal

With gratitude for the story and photos shared by Karin Höne (Julie's mom) and Leanne Williams (K9Yoga Coach - McKaynine Mobility)

“It’s hard for an active dog to grow old. The muscles are stiff on cold winter mornings, limbs aren’t as flexible, and strength and stamina disappear over time. But the heart and mind still want to move. That’s what we faced with Julie…”

At 13 years old, Julie the Labrador has a heart full of drive and a body that’s been through countless adventures. From trail runs and agility to muddy obstacle courses and mountain hikes, Julie was the picture of canine vitality. But as she aged, the physical toll of years well-lived began to show.

Julie’s owner, Karin began noticing the signs: slowed movement, reduced stamina, and subtle signs of discomfort. “I had to face the reality that Julie could no longer keep up with me,” she says. “Her body was getting tired and I was devastated.”

Then came a chance conversation at an agility show—one that would change their lives.

That’s how they discovered K9Yoga.

🧘‍♀️ From Frustration to Flow

Starting their K9Yoga journey wasn’t smooth sailing. Karin recalls fumbling the handling, struggling with timing, and using the wrong cues. But the determination to give Julie a better quality of life kept her going.

“Week two was already better. And from there, we never looked back.”

Over the past 2.5 years, the transformation has been extraordinary. Julie regained flexibility, strength, and mobility. Exercises like compass helped ease neck stiffness, give paw supported shoulder strength, and leg weaves brought back coordination and hind-end awareness.

💛 Ageing with Dignity, Not Decline

For active dogs like Julie, ageing isn’t just a physical challenge—it’s a mental one too. What happens when the body says slow down, but the mind is still raring to go?

K9Yoga provided the answer: a way to age with dignity. The sessions offer a mental challenge, gentle movement, and - of course - a few extra treats. Julie now waits excitedly by the car every Wednesday morning, ready for her next class.

“She knows the routine and still has so much drive. The sparkle in her eyes when she realises it’s time is everything.”

🧠 The THRIVE Effect

Julie’s story embodies the THRIVE concept we’re celebrating this May at K9Yoga:

• Transform barriers into opportunity → K9Yoga helped Julie shift from frustration to empowered movement. 

• Happiness therapy → Tail wags, treats, and challenges—K9Yoga brought joy back into Julie’s weekly routine. 

• Resilience → Julie learned to adapt, bounce back, and find strength despite age-related changes. 

• Improve health 1% every day → Every stretch, every paw lift added up to real improvement. 

• Vitality → Today, Julie is still mobile, curious, and full of life. 

• Expand Movement Maps → Customised, age-appropriate exercises gave her body what it needed, when it needed it.

🙏 A Thank You to Our Instructors

Karin credits their instructor, Leanne Williams, for making the journey a success. “Thank you for your endless patience and for always adapting exercises so Julie feels comfortable. You’ve helped me become a better handler and given Julie back her spark.”

📣 Final Words: Let Your Senior Dog Thrive

Julie’s journey proves that ageing doesn’t have to mean giving up joy, movement, or connection. K9Yoga gave her the tools to thrive—and the bond between Julie and Karin has never been stronger.

“K9Yoga definitely improved Julie’s quality of life. It’s a fun, engaging way to improve your dog’s condition—and strengthen your relationship.”