Off to the nursing home...WITH CHESTER! Since the temperatures were warm my wonderful daughter spent the morning giving Chester a detailed bath and brushing away all of the winter shaggies until he was as shiny as a bright new penny. When we loaded him into the trailer he was a little fiesty, and we weren't real sure this was a good idea, or not. But, once we got to the nursing home, put on the his shoes I made for him so he won't slip on the tiled floor, and added his little work jacket he straightened up, and was ready to go.

He was so good, and the smiles that errupted as he came down the halls were well worth our time. One little horse...so many smiles!! All in all a very successful trip, but we were both so tired afterwards. She watches the front end and has to have a good grip on his rope/halter and I get the back end to make sure I'm standing so no one gets stepped on. I also have to keep a close watch on the tail that may raise and then you get a little gas, or a present. We had a bit of gas, but no presents. Then, there's that other part that I get to watch for any action that may need a potty break. It was funny...we got him outside fast enough for that, but one of the janitors was following with his mop, and laughing all the way.

When she found Chester she just knew he has a jewel, and he is that. Wheelchairs, cleaning carts, walkers and you name it, but Chester doesn't spook or shy at all. You would almost think he was deaf and blind, but when I rattled my little box of mints to get one for myself those ears perked up and he looked at me as if to say, "where's mine?" Then one man had a little cherry pie left from lunch. Chester spotted that, and, of course, was given the pie. When we got him home he happily got out of the trailer, and ran into the pasture to resume grazing with his big horse friend.

Sending big HUGS to you and Chester and heartfelt thanks for taking the time to visit homes. I just know you made so many people's days. My Dad is in a facility and I know it would brighten his day.
:P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P

p.s.--how great that he didn't leave any "presents"....

What a lovely break he must have made to a lonely day for some folks whose families are all gone.

You've done a good job of raising him to be nice to everyone. Thanks for sharing the pictures.

Awww thank you for sharing this story and your pictures too :D:D:D

How sweet~!! Thanx for sharing your wonderful *Chester* with us~! :D He couldn't be anything less with the *special* family he has. I know he brightened so many folks that day! :D

That's so awesome!!!

What a kind and loving thing for you, your daughter and Chester to do for the residents! I can see where he has a natural talent for bringing smiles. He is beautiful!!!

What a fun and wonderful thing to do!!!!
Oh and I just love his shoes!!!

What a neat idea! Thank you for letting us share some of the joy with you.

What a special gift Chester is to all whom he visits!!

Love his shoes ... and so glad that he has them for safety, as I know how slippery those floors are for animals.