Southern Pines, NC · Serving the Sandhills & Triangle
Mister Waffles (miniature therapy horse, age 10) and Zoey (therapy donkey) visit hospitals, schools, seniors, veterans, and communities — bringing something no medicine can replicate — presence, calm, and joy.
“
There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.
— Winston Churchill
Meet the team
Waffles and Zoey are certified therapy animals based in Southern Pines, NC. Together, they do what few can — show up at a gathering and immediately change it.
Miniature Therapy Horse · Age 10
Standing just 28 inches tall, Waffles has been bringing joy to the people of North Carolina for a decade. His calm demeanor, patient nature, and willingness to engage with people of all ages and abilities makes him unlike any therapy animal you've met. He visits nursing homes, hospitals, schools, and everything in between — dressed up or dressed down, he always delivers.
Certified Therapy Animal 10 Years in Service Miniature Horse
Therapy Donkey · Standard Size
Don't let her size fool you — Zoey is small for a standard donkey, gentle as they come, and every bit as effective as her partner Waffles. Donkeys have a long history as comfort animals, and Zoey carries on that tradition with a quiet confidence that resonates especially with children and seniors. Together, Waffles and Zoey are NC's only miniature therapy horse and therapy donkey duo.
Therapy Donkey Standard Size NC's Only DuoWho we visit
From hospital bedsides to school playgrounds, Waffles and Zoey go where they're needed most.
Bedside visits for patients, families, and care teams. Waffles and Zoey bring moments of calm and joy to those in the most difficult chapters of life.
Horses and donkeys unlock memories and emotions that nothing else can reach. Seniors light up — and often, so does the staff around them.
Nothing inspires young readers like a real live horse. Waffles visits classrooms, libraries, and literacy events — making books and learning feel magical.
Members of our armed services and first responder families receive priority consideration for visits. No one who serves should miss out.
For those who need more than a comfort visit, we partner with Tayloe Compton Moye, LCSW of Be Free Therapy in Southern Pines — a certified EAGALA therapist. The EAGALA model uses horses on the ground (no riding) as active partners in structured psychotherapy, used for PTSD, anxiety, depression, grief, and addiction. We refer and coordinate so you get the right level of care.
Learn about Be Free Therapy →Employee wellness days, private celebrations, team events, and community gatherings. An appearance by Waffles and Zoey is guaranteed to be unforgettable.
In action
Every face was lit with joy.
It was so beautiful to see the residents' and children's faces when he walked up. It's amazing to see how much an animal's presence can change a person's mood — for the better.
Fees & donations
Three ways we visit. Mission work is always covered — everything else is priced simply and clearly.
Mission Visits
Always free
— donations welcome
Schools & Community
$250 / visit
Both Waffles and Zoey. Sliding scale for Title I schools and nonprofits — just ask.
Corporate & Private
$400 / event
Both animals. Costumes and custom appearances welcome.
Where we go
Get in touch
We typically respond within 48 hours. For urgent requests or questions about availability, feel free to reach out directly.