Tiny Tex Brightens Day At Hospice Home Of Hope

A bright ray of sunshine left its lasting footprints (or hoof prints) recently during an intimate visit with patients and families at Agnesian HealthCare’s Hospice Home of Hope.

            Tiny Tex is a miniature horse that is part of Tiny Hooves Big Heart Miniature Horse Therapy. He is about the size of a Golden Retriever.

Tiny Hooves Big Heart Miniature Horse Therapy brings Tex to people who need therapeutic healing. Tex provides pet therapy to children and adults in schools, hospitals, hospices and home care who have experienced emotional and physical abuse, severe illness, disabilities and other difficulties.

The goal is to enhance, nurture and heal the human spirit through the gentleness and magical ability of a horse. The size of a Miniature horse allows them to maneuver around medical equipment and other obstacles.

“The visits involve an exchange of unconditional love between the horse and those we visit,” says Kathy Brost, Tex’s owner. “People watch, brush, pet, hug and take many pictures when Tex comes to visit. Tex can evoke emotional and spiritual connections, as well as bring up past childhood memories in the elderly patient. Many patients speak of horses in their past when they see little Tex and it always brings a smile to their face.”

This was truly the case when Tex visited the Agnesian HealthCare Hospice Home of Hope. Brost went from room-to-room to take treats from patients, as well as share kisses and special, gentle strokes.

“We are all grateful for the beautiful memories shared at the Hospice Home of Hope with everyone who met Tiny Tex,” says Denise Lewis, RN, clinical supervisor with the Hospice Home of Hope. “It was truly a pleasure to witness patients’ eyes light up and to see the smiles on both the patients and their families’ faces as they experienced such joy together. The gentle spirit of this horse made each encounter even more special and we look forward to future visits from Tiny Tex.”

Agnesian HealthCare’s Hospice Home of Hope is a residential facility providing palliative care to individuals diagnosed with a terminal illness with a life expectancy of less than six months. The 9,700-square-foot facility includes 12 private, home-like patient rooms; sunroom and porch areas; a common family/TV area; meditation room and a large living room with a fireplace. A staff of registered nurses, attending physicians, nursing assistants and social workers provide comfort to patients when a cure is not possible.

For more information, call (920) 906-1000.

In the photo: Kathy Brost (left), owner of Tiny Tex, spends a quiet moment with Agnesian HealthCare Hospice Home of Hope patient Pat Neuy Sippel, who gets a special kiss from Tex during a recent visit.