Cayce Fire Department’s newest team member: Muffin the Mini Horse

Mental support can come in some unique forms. In Cayce, the Department of Public Safety unveiled a new team member. Muffin is a registered therapy horse and leaves everyone around her with a melted heart. Therapy animals are a rising resource for individuals and groups across the nation. But, in South Carolina, Muffin is the first therapy horse working for a city or government agency.

Cayce mayor Elise Partin says that the decision to recruit Muffin was an easy one. “Muffin is so cute,” she stated. “But we have to celebrate what the Fire Department has done in breaking down barriers and using Muffin to connect with the community.” Therapy horses aren’t as common as dogs or other animals, and they serve different functions. Muffin’s job is to connect with the community and provide comfort for uncomfortable conversations, such as narcotic and opioid addictions and safety. Cayce officials say the tiny horse should be a conversation starter, specifically in places like schools or for the elderly.

Public Safety Officers say that while traditional K9 dogs can offer therapy services, there is a different feeling evoked by this type of animal. “Her size is not intimidating, so she is going to make a great resource,” said Mayor Partin.

Muffin is kicking off the City of Cayce’s ‘Midlands Gives’ Day campaign. Midlands Gives allows Cayce and surrounding counties and communities to be philanthropists to help other businesses and organizations. Working with Midlands Gives to make owning Muffin possible is the Department of Public Safety Foundation. It’s an organization that works with donors to support unbudgeted costs in Cayce Public Safety’s work. “There are a lot of unbudgeted costs,” explained the vice president of the foundation, Rebecca Lorick. “With things like food for Muffin and the therapy animals, that’s where we can come in with the help of donors to make a difference.”

Muffin is proof that having hard conversations can be possible, and having support can come in the most unique forms. Donations through Midlands Gives can be made here.