A set of incredible photographs show how happy a group of dementia sufferers in a care home were to get a visit from a miniature horse the other day.
Seriously, this is so adorable it should carry some sort of warning.
The older folks have been kept away from their friends and family so they aren't at risk of catching Covid-19 - which, of course, is for the best - but were 'overjoyed' when a completely new type of friend paid them a visit.
The residents at the Rosevale Care Home in York 'benefit greatly' from pet therapy, according to the staff.
Looking at it, maybe we'd all benefit greatly from a visit from a wee horse. It looks like a whole heap of fun.
Sarah Fearn, the home's lifestyle and activities co-ordinator, said that even residents who don't spend much time outside of their rooms were out and enjoying the visit, as well as interacting with other people in the home.
Around 90 percent of residents at Rosevale suffer from dementia, and this pet therapy allows them to express themselves and enjoy the company of the animals.
Particularly in these darkened times, that can only be a good thing.
Sarah said: "We put things like this on all the time, different pets every month come into the care home.
"The home is really supportive of these things.
"Pet therapy is so important to the care home as it brings back memories for residents and it allows people to express themselves in ways they probably wouldn't otherwise.
"It's really good for people with dementia."
"We had a lady who was really upset ten minutes before, she was crying, we took the horse to her and within minutes she was so happy.
"Even the residents who are quiet and don't mingle, they talked to the other people. It was really lovely.
"Nearly all of our residents have dementia, I would say 90 percent of our residents suffer from it, so for them something like this is vital."
As for the horse, he's a 10-year-old called Monet, and he showed up for about an hour to lighten up the day of both the residents and staff.
The home has yet - touch wood - to see a positive case of coronavirus, but that has meant that family visits have been restricted to the garden, and through a glass screen.
That makes these sorts of interactions even more precious, as it allows the residents a chance to express themselves in a way they otherwise might not be able.
Sarah explained: "We followed all the procedures, we've never had a case of Covid.
"But we've only been allowed people in the garden and that applies when animal handlers bring pets in too.
"I spoke to Katie from K and L ponies who allowed us to use Monet and she said I could take him into the home on my own.
"I took him into the home and the bedrooms and the joy he brought to residents was amazing.
"They're missing their families and friends.
"We have a hut in our garden so people can have visitors, but it is through a glass window, it's not the same as a human touch.
"People usually bring their pets in when they come to visit and obviously they haven't been able to do that either.
"It was extra special, it was just nice to see so many smiley faces during these tough times."
Featured Image Credit: SWNSTopics: UK News, Inspirational, Animals