On Saturday, children nestled into their chairs at Bank of Books Malibu, eager for the arrival of a special guest during story time on Saturday — Deputy Valor, the miniature therapy horse. Valor trotted through the doors with Victoria Nodiff-Netanel and Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station’s Lieutenant Jennifer Seetoo.
Valor wore a unicorn horn to correspond with the book Seetoo would read — “Uni the Unicorn” by Amy Krouse Rosenthal.
“I wanted to inspire the kids to use their imagination and connect the wonderful story about ‘Uni the Unicorn’ with my little therapy horse, Valor, wearing her ‘magical unicorn horn,’” Nodiff-Netanel explained. “Also, by being in uniform, the lieutenant and I bring a warm and inviting image with Valor for children and adults toward the L.A. Sheriff’s Department.”
After the story, Nodiff-Netanel spoke to the children about the work that Valor and the other miniature therapy horses do throughout Los Angeles and nationwide, including visits to children and adults in crisis situations, the Los Angeles Veterans Hospital, children’s hospitals and more.
“It doesn’t matter what age, race or religion a person might be, everyone loves and wants to touch these little horses,” Nodiff-Netanel said. “They seem to universally transcend everything that separates people. Horses are amazing creatures that have a mythical quality that captures people’s imaginations.”
All eyes were on Valor as he played the piano with his snout and did a few tricks. Valor then trotted outside where children had the opportunity to get a closer look and took turns petting him.
