Smith Crossing, December 18, 2019

The Mercifuls were thrilled to have a special guest join them during their visit to Smith Crossing in Orland Park, IL.! Mrs. Santa Claus took the afternoon off from baking Christmas cookies to join the Merciful Mini Team as they visited a very enthusiastic congregation of seniors eager for a repeat visit from the very furry little mini horses.

One senior in particular couldn’t get enough of her time with the minis, remembering youthful days of riding her own horse at her family’s farm.

The minis visited each senior giving all the opportunity to rub the manes or pet the soft noses of the young therapy horses.

We were so grateful to have the help of our skilled handlers, taking time out of their busy holiday schedules to assist making sure that the visit runs smoothly, questions are addressed, photos are taken, and the horses safely get on and off the trailer during cold, sometimes snowy conditions.

We are also grateful for volunteers who come to the barn during the week to help exercise and groom the minis, necessary to maintain the wellness of each animal.

When it was time to leave Smith Crossing we said our good byes, making sure that we wished all

 

          Joy, Good Health, Peace

      And a very Happy New Year!

            December, 2019

While the Merciful Minis are winding down our 2019 visitation schedule we are simultaneously preparing for our exciting 2020 calendar year. Working closely with Pet Partners we have targeted Spring Evaluation dates for handlers and minis. This means winter is practice season for veterans and those newly interested in working with the minis.

We work as the weather permits. Our goal is to give the minis the opportunity to be exposed to different situations and to develop a special “friendship”, element of trust, with each handler. It’s not all work for the minis. They love the cool weather. They love to roll, romp, and chase one another in the snow covered pasture, with a zealous love of life and abandonment. For those of our followers who may be considering helping with our therapy program, we invite you to contact us at             mercifulminis@gmail.org

And for those of you who have helped us through donations and referrals we send a heartfelt  THANK YOU !  Your generosity has enabled Merciful Minis to add joy into the lives of those in need.