There are many reasons that people come to Rochester, Minnesota for treatment at Mayo Clinic. But one of the reasons I would want to go to Mayo is because of their therapy animals! And they just introduced us to their new, four-hooved therapy animal named Munchkin.

Minnesota Now logo
Get our free mobile app

I little while ago I wrote about Mayo's therapy dog named Wavey. He's an adorable yellow lab who helps patients who need some cuddles to feel more comfortable.

READ MORE: Meet the Dog You Might See While Visiting Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic via Facebook
Mayo Clinic via Facebook
loading...

They also have another therapy dog named Alicia. Wavey and Alicia are called "trained facility dogs". According to MedicalMutt.com, that means they "generally 'work' full-time at the facility. They also require special training to fit the needs of that institution."

Mayo Clinic Rochester, MN New Therapy Animal

Wavey and Alicia now have a new buddy to help ease patients' stress and his name is Munchkin. He's just a little different from Wavey and Alicia because he's got four hooves and hair instead of fur.

Munchkin is a miniature horse!

Mayo Clinic via Facebook
Mayo Clinic via Facebook
loading...

Isn't he adorable? Mayo Clinic shared a video with more information about Munchkin on social media. They said that he's the first miniature horse that's part of the Mayo Clinic Rochester therapy animal team. He visits patients in the lobbies of different Mayo Clinic Rochester buildings and loves to read with kids. They say he likes to nuzzle the pages to help out.

Mayo Clinic via Facebook
Mayo Clinic via Facebook
loading...

Mayo also says that Munchkin is a great addition because some patients who could use animal therapy are either allergic to or afraid of dogs. And that's where Munchkin can help!

If you ever see me loitering by Mayo Clinic, you'll now know why.

RANKED: Here Are the 63 Smartest Dog Breeds

Does your loyal pup's breed make the list? Read on to see if you'll be bragging to the neighbors about your dog's intellectual prowess the next time you take your fur baby out for a walk. Don't worry: Even if your dog's breed doesn't land on the list, that doesn't mean he's not a good boy--some traits simply can't be measured.

Gallery Credit: Sabienna Bowman

More From Minnesota Now