Nomination "Our Brothers": Twenty-five-year-old Dietrich works in palliative care centers.
The story of the snow-white pony, which was told by the media, began more than three years ago, when Anastasia, the owner of Dietrich, was suddenly offered to volunteer in hospices. But if cats, dogs, or even birds had already become accustomed to such volunteer work, then it was unclear what to do with a horse, even a small one. Therefore, at first, Dietrich's mistress was tormented by great doubts.
"I was given the phone number of the hospice coordinator, we talked with the management, and in November 2022 we went on our first visit to adult patients in Tsaritsyno. It was very exciting what to do, where to go, and how the pony would behave. But in the end, we came as if to a family, as if we had been there all our lives and were loved there all our lives," said Anastasia Kozyr, Dietrich's hostess.
Since then, a pony named Dietrich has become a real therapist for those who need to make it easier to send off on their last journey. After a successful experience with adult patients, Dietrich began to travel to children's hospices. Which is always a very joyful event for little patients. After all, a pony can be touched, he will show care and tenderness. When you need to be silent with the patient, when you need to have fun or just give yourself a hug. Doctors always note the therapeutic effect after these visits – many children even feel better.
"I see how it resonates with people, how cool the wards react after our trips. After our visits, hospice coordinators write to thank us, and our relatives continue to tell others about us and send us photos," Anastasia continues.
The pony therapist Dietrich has his own special uniform, all the devices so that a small horse can move inside hospitals, and always clean slippers on the hooves. Dietrich and volunteer Nastya manage to visit hospices about 20 times a year. In the warmer months and up to five times a month. After all, a lot now depends on the health of the pony.
By equine standards, Dietrich is a long-time pensioner. And his health is increasingly failing him. Maybe that's why he feels so strongly about the condition of seriously ill people.
"We never do two trips in a row so that Dietrich has the opportunity to recover and rest. It is important to me that his life is comfortable, we always look at his condition. After all, my pony's age makes itself felt, and he has ailments. But volunteering in hospices is emotionally hard work not only for people, but also for animals," says the pony's owner.
Anastasia Kozyr introduced Dietrich more than ten years ago. While still a student at the agricultural academy, it was Dietrich who was given to Nastya to practice horse riding. He was tall enough. Then the sports friendship turned into a real family. And in 2014, Anastasia bought her pony and began to keep it in the stable on her own.
Nastya now hopes that Dietrich, due to his age and health, will still be able to work as a therapist in hospices for at least 2-3 years. So that as many people as possible would know about him and the memory of the snow-white little horse volunteer would remain in their hearts.
Photos from Anastasia Kozyr's personal archive.