World Photo by Madeline Steege

Colleen Williamson, an employee at the Lifecare Center of Coos Bay poses with 5-year-old Bucky before the miniature horse goes on his rounds at the center.

Bucky is a 30-inch-tall miniature horse and weighs close to 400 pounds. He has a large white circle on his rump that looks like a target - prompting his owner, Jennifer Berti, to formally name him Clearcreek Buckshot. Berti thought it would be a treat for the seniors at the center to get a closer look at her spoiled pet - and she was right. Bucky was a huge hit at the Lifecare Center as several hands petted Bucky at once. This was Bucky's second visit to a retirement home - the first time was at Ocean Crest Retirement and Assisted Living Community a few months ago. Throughout the visit, some of the folks talked about their childhoods living on ranches and farms and riding horses to school. One gentleman who had not responded to anyone in weeks responded to Bucky with a grin - and even took time to stroke Bucky's thick coat.