Dogs and horses are my two top favorite animals.  So while at the Farmer’s Market a few weeks ago I was drawn to Becky and her daughter’s, and their eight week old black and white puppy named Snoopy.  We began talking and I soon discovered Becky has a miniature horse who does therapy work.  I knew right then I had to share her story!

On a warm, windy Wednesday I was eager to start my morning.  This would be the day I would meet Snickers.  My short car ride took me to the tiny town of Ada.  If I dared blink I would have missed Becky’s property as the last house out of town.

As I pulled into the long gravel driveway, the house sat to the left, and the stable and horses grazed to the right.  It was picture perfect. I felt my heart fall into a meditation state as my eyes soaked in all the beauty around me.

I rang the doorbell and Mandy, the oldest daughter, let me in. Becky’s home is warm with rich earth colors and horse décor.  Snoopy, now 12-weeks old bounded into the living room to greet me. With a quick scoop and gentle scold from Mandy he was whisked back out of the room.

Mandy and Amber, Becky’s youngest daughter, were busy decorating themselves in Hawaiian leis around their necks, heads and wrists.  Becky explained, “Each time we visit a nursing home we have a theme.  It makes it more festive and fun.” 

The girls, Snoopy, Becky and I headed down to the stable. Taking a therapy horse to a nursing home takes a lot more work than a therapy dog, as I would soon find out.

I sat on the wooden bench outside the stable and the girls brought Snickers out for her bath.  She stands about 31-inches high, cocoa brown in color, with a large spot on her back. Her ankles are white as if she is wearing socks.  Her demeanor is very laid back.

I fell into a trance as she got her sudsy bath, which turned the spot on her back to the whitest white.  As she was rubbed down with a towel, the garden hose became a “catch me if you can” event for Snoopy as he tried to lap up the gushing water.

Snicker’s was brushed and then the real primping began!  Out came the glitter which was placed upon her hooves. Amber lovingly hand sketched a purple heart on Snicker’s hind quarter while Mandy braided her mane and tail. Becky rounded out the grooming by scraping Snicker’s hooves. A magenta harness was added and then they topped off her head with a neon orange hat.

Mandy guided Snicker’s, and with a running start helped her into the trailer that would transport her to Harvest Homes in Howard’s Grove.  We all piled into the truck as Becky ran up to the house and grabbed Smoochie, the pet ferret who would make the visit with us also.

As we rode the few miles into town the girls handed out leis to Becky and me. Smoochie was also decked out in a lei around his neck.  Becky explained that she likes to involve her kids when she takes Snickers on a visit.  It is a good experience for them, as well as an added bonus for the residents.

When we arrived at Harvest Homes Snicker’s was unloaded.  The final touches of three colorful leis were added around her neck, and a tropical beach towel placed upon her back. 

A small deck off the front of the home had me wondering how Snickers would maneuver the step up.  But she had no problem at all.  I giggled as she clippity-clopped across the wooden boards.  Becky knocked on the door, pulled it open and Snickers poked her head through the opening.  It was a sight to see this horse peeking in!

We were greeted with a warm welcome inside the tiny living room. The residents were sitting in a half circle eagerly awaiting their visit from Snickers.  I couldn’t help but laugh to see this miniature horse that now looked so big inside the small space.  Ever so gently and calmly she made her way around the room for everyone to pet her.  The residents were curious about her, asking many questions.  For one lady it brought back fond memories of when she had horses.

A few moments later a woman came walking from her room.  “Well, holy cow!  Is that a horse?” she said.  She smiled the biggest smile, pet Snickers, and then went out for her morning walk.  When she returned she said, “Can I ride her back to my room?”  Everyone laughed.

As we all made our way home Becky recalled one visit where she was a told a resident was mentally handicapped and probably would not respond to Snickers.  She did not let that stop her from trying to reach out to this woman.  She took the woman’s hand and gently placed it on Snicker’s neck.  Becky said, “The woman came alive with the biggest smile ever.”

I asked Becky what made her decide to do this with Snickers. She said, “One morning I just had an epiphany to do this therapy work.”  So she followed her heart and in the process has found it very rewarding.  No doubt she and her family, along with Snickers, are providing what the world needs most, which is love.