Fish Pose Over Charlie (Matsyasana)
Sitting up with legs straight out in front and the dog behind you about 1 1/2 feet away from your back, sit up tall and lift your chest as you begin to recline back. Bring your forearms to the floor for support as you continue to "lift your heart" up and over the dog, who is acting as a bolster for you. Drop the crown of the head toward the floor. Your weight is on the seat, elbows and crown of the head, not on the dog. You should feel like you are lifting the heart towards the ceiling, not sinking into the dog. Smaller dogs can be placed on the thighs to further ground the legs as you lift the heart. Some dogs love to be behind you, ready to give you upside-down kisses as you lower your head to the floor.