Merciful Minis Visit Alden Rehabilitation

                                     May 10, 2019

 As we travel throughout the Chicagoland area our miniature therapy horse teams have the privilege of meeting hundreds of people bonded together by a love of animals. This was our first visit to Alden Center and upon arriving we could feel the anticipation of the residents at the thought of horses entering their building for an opportunity to come face to face with a tiny little, big hearted miniature therapy horses.

 The two young therapy horses knew their job, Luna Rae and handlers went to the right of the group, Hawks’ handler team went to the left. The therapy horses stopped to meet each resident for a Meet and Greet; residents reached out to give nose and neck rubs to the little horses often commenting on how soft their manes are and the tenderness of the minis’ pink noses.

 Questions were asked: How old are the minis? Will they get any bigger? Why are they wearing boots? Are they “housetrained”? (a concern of many)

 The seniors and staff marveled at the minis beautiful blue eyes and tiny little hooves.

 After making a complete round of “How do you do’s” the handler teams repeated their time with the residents, making sure that each senior had a special one on one time with the Merciful Minis.

 Prior to exiting the building, Luna Rae and handler Martha went to the center of the room, the mini took a bow to the crowd, and the team exited the building. If smiles on the faces of those less able are a measurement of the success of each visit, it is safe to say that the Alden residents enjoyed our little Mercifuls and will have unusual conversations with friends and family as they recall two tiny horses parading in the Alden Rehab Center on a Friday afternoon.