Therapy Pony

[Standards Equine]

We had a different kind of visit last week. Funny how things work out. We'd originally had the day booked to be a site visit for a care home, but they had cancelled. About 30 minutes later, I got a call from the manager of the Delta Hotel, downtown Edmonton. You see, it's Canadian Finals Rodeo week, and the event has just returned to Edmonton after being held elsewhere for the last few years. There is a competition within the top Edmonton hotels to decorate their lobbies for CFR week. That's where we came in... The manager wanted to have a pony attend! Yes, we have a pony who can do that. And if we're bringing the pony, might as well bring the donkey too! So we did. It was a hoot! Miss Rodeo Canada was one of the judges (and a lovely person!) and all the staff had their pictures taken with our little dudes. Barnie, the manager, took Jasmine and was touring all over with her, out in the mall (lobby access is into a shopping mall) and throughout the stations in the lobby, greeting guests and visitors... I think Barnie's going to bypass getting a dog and just get a pony instead. He had so much fun!
And part of our thanks is a complimentary stay in the hotel! So I've booked that for December for my partner's birthday. So sweet!!


So thankful my mom is willing to adventure with us!

Barnie wrangling the littles.

The staff were all smiles. What a wonderful bunch of people!

 

[MaryFlora]

Some phone calls out of the blue are unexpectedly fun! You all look terrific and Jasmine and Phillipe are wonderful mini reps.

The staff looks like a fun group and the hotel must be a great place. Your complimentary stay is a lovely thank you and one you will enjoy in the snowy month of December!

 

[Standards Equine]

Aaand I got word late last night that they won the contest and will be sending a cheque for $4000 to the Stollery Childrens Hospital, in Edmonton. That's pretty amazing of them.

 

[HersheyMint]

Aaand I got word late last night that they won the contest and will be sending a cheque for $4000 to the Stollery Childrens Hospital, in Edmonton. That's pretty amazing of them.

Wow, great news! Jasmine and Phillippe clinched the competition. The added bonus was the smiles on everyone face.

 

[MaryFlora]

That is absolutely wonderful outcome to a busy day for everyone!

You and your mom must be so pleased with the outcome! Job well done!

 

[HersheyMint]

@Standards Equine Do you think there will be an article in your paper? If so share with, please

 

[Standards Equine]

We managed to get a Christmas visit to one of our rural continuing care facilities last Friday afternoon. A visit planned with a young hockey team unfortunately went sideways due to a lack of communication resulting in some very disappointed kids, parents and residents! The visit was rescheduled and we joined in the fun, at least for a short time. The littles are so good and keeping themselves warm in the cold Alberta winters that they don't have the ability to tolerate warmth for very long. We spent more time outside at the doors greeting visitors than inside as we couldn't have the little dudes get sweaty and then put back outside in the cold.
Jasmine was her normal bold self. She walked through a large group of residents, kids and parents without batting an eye.
Phillippe made me so proud! He was very brave coming in and quite social! There were a few kids who clung to him and we couldn't get passed one area because of that, but he was patient and relaxed. I think hanging out at the Delta in October did the world of good for him. And no sliding glass doors. Not confident about those at all. I think he's now ready for his very own official volunteer therapy animal badge!




Merry Christmas from Jasmine, Phillippe and me!