Happy Tails

 Scout entered the rescue as a young colt, probably around 6 months old.  Unhandled, frightened, wide-eyed, he came off the transport from Texas and entered his new surroundings. During his evaluation the next day, I was honored that he picked me.  I wasn’t planning on adopting a horse, I was there to learn about minis and to heal my heart.  But he decided I was his person and he glued himself to my side.
After securing special permission from my City Planner to have a horse in my back yard (city limits), he came home and I began working with him every day.  We began walks through the neighborhood where we were invited to walk on the side of the street so my dear friend Ora could see him from her hospice bed in her Livingroom.  We came inside instead, he laid his head in her lap and she told him stories of her life.  And she always had an apple for him, so that was one of his first fun words.  She saw him 15 minutes before she passed, he knew and blew kisses in her ear.
After much desensitization efforts with lots of people, playground activities (Swings, bikes, kids, dogs, etc…), trips to the BART parking lot for elevator experience, practice on stairs, and many other things, he went through therapy animal evaluation and was officially registered as a therapy horse!
Why a therapy animal?  When my son was terminally ill in the hospital, animals visiting him would change up his day.  I wanted to be able to provide that to others, but instead of dogs, it was horses.  Why the name Scout?  My son attained the highest rank Boy Scouts of America - Eagle Scout, so Scout is on his path to Eagle, earning his smile merit badges along the way while doing a good turn daily.  He’s gone to assisted living facilities, hospitals, juvenile housing facilities, hospice homes, and many other places, not to mention helping my heart to heal.
From rescued, frightened colt, to a caring, intuitive miniature horse that just wants to give back.  And so it continues, the ripple is expanding.

"Several years ago, we adopted a mini horse named Shawman from Angels for Minis.
It was a wonderful experience — they’re one top-notch operation.
We visited the facility, which was well-kept and well-run, and everyone was so friendly and welcoming.
Mary took the time to understand our needs and matched us with the perfect mini.
We brought him home and had many wonderful years with him.

Angels for Minis are incredibly professional and always make themselves available for any questions or concerns.
We’re proud to be part of the Angels for Minis family.
If you’re ever in need of a mini, Angels for Minis is the place for you.”

- Itty Bitty Mini Horse Rescue & Sanctuary