Last weekend, Mother Goose joined with other military family service providers in Palatine, Illinois to celebrate military families and host a resource fair. We had representatives from many, many noble organizations including the VA, Adler School of Professional Psychology, Blue Star Mothers, The Soldiers’ Project, Helping Hospitalized Veterans and Salute Inc.
Pam and Heather, friends of Mother Goose and military families
Besides the exhibit tables, there were guest speakers and prize giveaways. There was a special room for the kiddos with a mobile tech lab to make Father’s Day cards. There were treats and snacks and Culver’s ice cream for all.
Raffle drawings every hour! Photo courtesy of Joyce Carrasco!
But the happiest moments came immediately after we heard a shrill whinny at the door of the American Legion hall. All heads turned towards the door. And there she was!
Lunar is one of five miniature therapy ponies who graced our doors and floors.
Mane in Heaven is a non-profit organization whose mission is to bring these little ponies out to work as therapy animals. Can it even get any cuter than this? The smiling handlers brought in each of the ponies, one by one for the children and the adults to pet and praise. Readers, I can’t tell you how many smiles blossomed in that room the moment each pony crossed the threshold and into the exhibit hall! They were the sweetest and cutest little creatures this goose has ever smiled at, and I’m not even exaggerating this time.
How adorable! Photo courtesy of Joyce Carrasco. Thanks Joyce!
And then the grand finale where all five of the little ponies were joyfully led into the hall all at the same time. And then a sudden hush…and we all wondered…and then the handlers hurriedly led the ponies back outside to their trailer. And then another group of handlers rushed into the American Legion hall with scoopers, cleaning product and plenty of paper towels.
We smiled and then we heard a final whinny from the ponies as they rode off into the sunset…
Mother Goose Smiles 
Jun 21, 2013 @ 13:32:23
Aw…..do you think Motor Man will let me get one…????? 🙂
Jun 22, 2013 @ 11:32:06
Dianna, YES! You could take her to the beach, and you could take her to the grocery store, and you could take her to work. They are so adorable and so transportable.
Jun 21, 2013 @ 17:18:44
Wonderful story to start a great weekend. 🙂
Jun 22, 2013 @ 11:33:26
Everybody loves horses, and these little ones were especially special. People were so smitten — love at first sight of them.
Jun 21, 2013 @ 18:23:23
Ahhhhh how sweet!
Jun 22, 2013 @ 11:34:40
They were so sweet for sure. Remember when Mom wanted to have one of those little round pigs for a pet. I forgot what they were called, but sadly she never got one. Maybe she has one now up there in paradise…
Jun 22, 2013 @ 11:35:39
Oh I forgot to mention that one of the little horses was wearing little shoes, like little hiking shoes made of canvas and velcro. Awww….