Therapy Horses Visit Alzheimer's Patients At Lutheran General

DES PLAINES, IL - Several miniature therapy horses visited patients at the Older Adult Services of Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Des Plaines this week. The horses, from Mane in Heaven in Lake in the Hills, met with patients suffering from early-stage Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, stroke and Parkinson's Disease Wednesday afternoon.

The miniature horses are registered through Pet Partners, a nationally recognized animal-assisted therapy pioneer. The "minis" are specially trained and have passed extensive testing to provide comfort and healing to those in need, much like traditional therapy dogs, according to Advocate staff.

Smiles were brought to the faces of the patients when the horses came in their own gym shoes and socks and acted on commands.

Horses from Mane in Heaven often make visits to nursing homes and hospitals. Take a look at photos from their visit this week below:

Photos via Advocate Lutheran General Hospital