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Miniature pony and donkey brighten spirits of residents, staff and families

Story by Sara Blake | Photos by Evan Isbister

WESTLOCK ¡ªVolunteers can take on a variety of different roles and come in many different forms, including the four-legged variety. In the Westlock area, the Â鶹ӳ»­ (AHS) volunteer services team counts two mini-equine friends on their list of dedicated souls who help to raise the spirits of patients and continuing care residents.

Jasmine, 7, a miniature horse, and her pal Phillippe Sombrero, 6, a miniature donkey, began their journey as volunteers at the Westlock Continuing Care Centre around Christmas 2022.

"To me, volunteering is all about connection and sharing a smile," says Amanda Enmark, Phillippe¡¯s owner, an AHS volunteer as well as administrative assistant for Area 5 in the North Zone. "I don¡¯t personally know of a better vehicle for that than with these animals."

A mere 91 cm tall (36 inches), Jasmine and her owner Ali Preston are always up for adventure and meeting new people. Phillippe, just 89 cm tall (35 inches), comes across as a little more reserved. But he can be easily won over with his favourite treat ¡ª candy canes.

"Having Jasmine and Philippe visit the residents is such a treat for all of us," says Meagonn Forstey, Seniors Health manager for Westlock. "Many of our residents have a farming history, so the animal visits really resonate with them. It¡¯s so novel to see horses and donkeys indoors that the shock alone is worth a chuckle. We love our four-legged visitors."

The impact of these furry friends goes beyond sharing smiles in continuing care, adds Wendy Townson, North Zone Volunteer Resources manager.

"The goal of these animal visits was to bring joy to long-term care residents, but it¡¯s turned out to be so much more," she says. "You can actually see the changes in the residents¡¯ moods and behaviour while interacting with the therapy animals. And it¡¯s not just rewarding for our clients, but for staff and family members, too."

Animal owners also gain a unique satisfaction by seeing the impact of their visits. Enmark says she¡¯s grateful to be able to make such special interactions possible, often at residents¡¯ bedside.

"These animals have been a gift that opens doors and connects people," she says. "I¡¯ve been privileged to (hear) so many beautiful memories of years gone by, from people who didn¡¯t think they¡¯d ever be able to look at a horse in person again, let alone touch one, smell one, or even hug one. It¡¯s a certain kind of magic."

These experiences have led Jasmine and Phillippe to other opportunities throughout the region and beyond, including various care facility visits, radio shows, fundraisers, parades and even the stage.

"Jasmine participated in the Â鶹ӳ»­ Ballet¡¯s production of Don Quixote in Calgary and Edmonton this May, and Philippe tagged along for one of the rehearsals," says Enmark.

"They enjoyed their time in the spotlight."

For information on how to become an AHS volunteer, and learn about the different volunteer opportunities in your area, visit .