Matix is a very special little boy that received some particularly special gifts on his third birthday: two mini horses.
Their names are Bert and Ernie, and they were given to Matix by his grandmother, Frankie Eklund, for a very specific purpose.
Matix was born with a condition called thrombocytopenia absent radius syndrome (TARS). This condition affects his arms, legs, and platelets. His blood isn't able to clot if he falls, and since he doesn't have full-length arms, he can't catch himself. Matix's family thought, in order to help him perform day-to-day activities, that therapy animals may be the answer.
Oftentimes, you hear stories of people going out of their way to save their animal friends, much like this fireman that saved a dog from a burning house. This time, the roles are reversed. Bert and Ernie have a very important job to do for their little human friend Matix.
LittleThings spoke with Matix's grandmother about this special young boy and his incredible therapy horses. Scroll through below for a look at this beautiful story.
Do you know anyone who has used an animal for therapeutic reasons? Let us know what you think in the comments!
Matix's grandma, Frankie, told LittleThings that her grandson is "exuberant, witty, and full of character. He is very comical and endearing, all wrapped up into one tiny little boy."
He loves just being a kid, competing in sports, riding horses, and playing with his sister.
Although Matix likes to do things any kid his age does, his condition can slow him down. His blood doesn't clot if he gets cut. This is a particularly tough issue considering Matix doesn't have longer arms to balance himself, and his legs are very weak.
Frankie thought it may be a good idea to introduce therapy animals into Matix's life.
She told Littlethings, "Matix was so excited when he first met them and wanted to know if he got to keep them.
"When we purchased the minis for Matix, they were wild. Bert had only been touched by human hands 3 times and Ernie had never been touched!"
Despite their wild nature, Frankie knew over time, they would be a great fit for her grandson.
Matix and the mini horses have clearly bonded as time has passed, and they are helping him with some very important skills.
"Matix is becoming very confident around the minis. When I'm out doing chores, Matix will come help me and I'll find him in one of his mini's stalls working with them on coming to him, giving him kisses, and asking questions yes or no for them to answer."
Frankie felt it was important to introduce the mini horses to as many situations as possible to make sure they were able to assist Matix in any environment.
"I work at an assisted living community for the elderly and thought, what a great idea, share Matix's minis with the residents," she said.
Bert, Ernie, and Matix all joined Frankie at the assisted living facility to the delight of the residents.
Frankie describes the effect therapy horses have on Matix and her residents as "mind blowing."
She told LittleThings, "Matix and Bert played basketball with our memory care residents and before you know it, we had residents, who are quite restricted in movement, playing basketball."
The U.S. Americans with Disabilities Act was revised in 2011 to include a provision for equines as service animals.
Bert and Ernie were certified through Pet Partners, a nonprofit organization that registers handlers and animals as volunteer teams to provide animal-assisted interactions at home, in nursing schools, hospitals, and schools.
Bert and Ernie have worked wonders with Matix and have helped him progress physically and emotionally. Matix and Frankie have even tried out for America's Got Talent to show off Bert and Ernie's skills.
"We didn't make it this year, but we've signed up for next year already," Frankie said. "Matix had Bert and Ernie give him hugs, answer questions, smile, go through hula hoops, play basketball, jump over jumps, and Ernie even sat down on a chair!"
After Bert and Ernie have officially become certified as service animals, they will be able to do things like help Matix open doors and pick up objects off of the floor. But they've already done much more than that.
Bert and Ernie have made this special little boy feel more confident and it's opened up the opportunity for people to walk right up to his family to discuss and learn about Matix's syndrome.
To keep up with Matix and his adventures with Bert and Ernie, check out their Facebook page.
This young boy's story certainly is an inspiration to children and families around the world who are coping with disabilities.
Please SHARE this beautiful story with anyone who needs a smile put on their face!
