Thanks to her positive work and patient ways, Rosie, an American Miniature Horse who lives with her owner Sue Binsfeld in Wisconsin, recently won the 2009 Pet Therapy "Spirit of Planetree" Award at Aurora BayCare Medical Center. Rosie, a two-year-old mini who wears pink booties when she visits the hospital, was chosen for the award because of her contributions to the hospital's patients and caregivers.
Owner Binsfeld was thrilled with Rosie's win. "I feel very honored to have been nominated, but to win was amazing," Binsfeld said. Each year, hospitals such as Aurora BayCare Medical Center who are members of the Planetree organization, submit human and animal "Spirit of Planetree" award nominations for the positive work they do and patient care they provide.
"Rosie continues to make a difference in many people's lives," Binsfeld said. "It is truly astounding and amazing to see Rosie at work. She has an uncanny ability to read people and to know who needs her to be at her best. Her patience with the patients is something I myself am in awe of."
Binsfeld and Rosie began their partnership over the summer, when she bought the adorable mini from Anne and Colette Stoflet. "I knew Rosie would be perfect for Pet Therapy work and given that she is only two years old I am confident that we will have many years to look forward to," Binsfeld said, adding that Rosie also visits nursing homes and makes house calls.
Planetree, the organization responsible for Rosie's award, focuses on providing patient centered care. In order to provide this care, programs and policies such as no visiting hours, aromatherapy, message therapy, medical charts open to the patients, pet therapy, and much more, are adopted at a facility.
For more information on American Miniature Horses, visit their website at www.shetlandminiature.com or call (309) 263-4044.
