Animal Tales
Constant companions Mercury and Sirius are unlikely yet delightful pals.
Cute and kind, these farm pals have an unbreakable bond.
Even though we may be different, that doesn’t mean we can’t be friends. That is the message of real-life best friends Mercury, a miniature therapy horse, and Sirius, his fluffy canine companion. Sirius is a Maremma sheepdog, a livestock guardian breed from Italy. This hardy breed is usually solid white, but Sirius has a few black spots. When Sirius was 2 months old, Mercury was born on the farm. He has spots, too, and an unusual color pattern—three white legs and one dark leg, one white ear and one dark ear. Mercury and Sirius became instant friends.
When Mercury trots into the farmhouse, Sirius is not far behind. With his tiny little hooves, Mercury needs to practice walking on different floor surfaces. Sirius has huge fluffy paws that look too big for his body; he needs to practice good indoor manners.
Together, Mercury and Sirius are learning how to walk up and down steps, ride in a truck, and walk and stand on a lead.
Mercury works with Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses, one of the largest equine therapy programs in the world. These therapy horses have comforted the survivors and first responders of the mass shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut; the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina; and the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida. They helped the tornado survivors of Moore, Oklahoma; victims of the fires in Gatlinburg, Tennessee; and families in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma; and they visit thousands of patients in children’s and veterans hospitals across the country each year. When Mercury goes to a hospital visit, Sirius waits on the porch for him to return.
The therapy horses of Gentle Carousel are very small miniature horses. Maremmas are a large dog breed, so when Mercury and Sirius are both fully grown, they will be about the same size. And together they’ll share a happy life on the farm as forever friends. Learn more at gentlecarouseltherapyhorses.com.