There are some days in the office that you know you’re going to remember for a very, very long time. A few weeks ago, we had some very special visitors. Wilson and Edwardo from Therapy Ponies Scotland joined us with owners and devoted handlers Elaine and John Sangster. They came to see us to help with a feature about the ponies and their work in Special 148.

It’s not often we have ponies in the D.C. Thomson building. In fact this was the first and only time to date. News soon got round – not surprising in a building full of reporters! Our newspaper colleagues from “The Courier” even live-streamed the visit! It wasn’t long before the mini Shetlands had a huge crowd of admirers all bursting to get a hug and a selfie.

Little troupers that they are, Wilson and Edwardo were only too happy to oblige. They stood patiently in all the bustle and noise as people came to take photos, ask questions and get to know them. Designer Wendy was kept very busy with her camera!

John and Elaine had brought the ponies in on their way back from one of their usual visits – this one to a local brain injury rehabilitation unit. These ponies have a very important job. They visit care homes, hospitals, schools and colleges all over Scotland, bringing animal therapy to hundreds of people

As the “Friend” team can testify – a short while spent with an adorable, soft, sweet-smelling, beautifully cared-for mini pony melts cares clean away! It’s long-lasting, too: we were still talking about them weeks later.

You can read more about Elaine and John and their wonderful pony team in Special 148, on sale from Wednesday, October 25. For even more pony news, you can visit them on Facebook.