The Animal Rescue League (ARL) of Berks County presented kitten yoga on Dec. 20 at the Exeter Community Library. During the program, adoptable kittens were able to roam and interact with the participants. The fundraising event was designed to promote the kittens' social skills and possibly introduce them to their potential forever families.

Attendees paid a registration fee to take part in the class, with all proceeds benefiting the ARL. The class was presented by instructor Liz Bentz, who volunteered her time to lead the class.

"I have done research on animal-assisted therapy. When you pet an animal, the animal and the human being get calm at the same time. It benefits both of them," Bentz said. "I am an occupational therapist, and I got my doctorate in OT and I studied the use of animals in occupational therapy. That also added to my knowledge of how to do yoga with animals."

Alyssa Budock, ARL media and communications manager, explained that about eight kittens were on hand for the class, which was sponsored by the Friends of the ARL. "Some of the kittens are available for adoption, and some are pre-adopted," she noted. "Some are here for a little extra socialization because they are not ready to be adopted yet but will be soon."

The kittens on hand for yoga currently reside with foster families until their forever homes can be found. Yoga class attendees were given small cat toys to encourage the kittens to visit and play with them.

"The fosters will bring them and help monitor them while they are here," Budock noted. "We let (the kittens) out to run around if they are interested. Some of them are a little more shy because there are too many people. People can hold them and give them some socialization as well."

One foster on hand at the event was Pam Zebrine, who brought along her foster kitten, Churu. "Fostering is the best," Zebrine said. "There is a niche for everyone. I love the bottle babies, and when they get to the point that they are weaned, there are (other) foster families who prefer older kittens. Some people do medical fosters."

"Churu is my 14th foster," Zebrine added. "I foster fail a lot because I adopted three of the ones I fostered."

Those interested in ARL's foster program may visit http://www.berksarl.org/foster for more information. Fosters must be at least 18 years old and have an ability to travel to and from the ARL, located at 58 Kennel Road, Birdsboro. While a specific foster room is not required, there should be space in a foster home that is separate from the other animals that live in the house. Supplies that are provided include food, litter and treats.

The Animal Rescue League of Berks County is a nonprofit organization that cares for more than 5,000 animals each year, helping them to find permanent, loving homes or reuniting them with their owners. The ARL also offers human/animal support resources, low-cost veterinary services, animal control programs and animal cruelty and humane law investigation throughout Berks County.

To learn more about the ARL and to view adoptable animals, visit http://www.berksarl.org or www.facebook.com/berksARL. Those with questions may call 610-373-8830.