If you want to get a smile from a veteran confined to a wheelchair, try bringing a miniature horse to visit. Some lovely folks brought in Dakota, a tiny, friendly horse and the guys all loved it.

That visit was a few weeks back, during one of the rainy spells. The rain stopped just long enough for the visit with the horse.

Last week we stopped and watched birds splashing and bathing in the big puddles left by the rains.

Today we were sitting under a tree at what has become our regular spot, watching golfers tee off.

A man came by with what was either a small dog or – can it be – a puppy? I asked if it was a puppy and he said yes. I asked if we could visit with it and he said yes. I asked if I could pick it up and he said yes.

I picked up the 8 week old Australian sheep dog puppy and put it on my guy’s lap. It licked his face.

If you don’t have a miniature horse, a puppy will more than suffice to bring a moment of joy to a wheelchair bound, nearly paralyzed veteran