GASTONIA, N.C. -- Brandy's style and her size set her apart. The miniature horse has a way of drawing attention with her outfits.

She's a therapy horse and once a month she greets and comforts residents at Alexandria Place Assisted Living and Nursing Home.

“They light up, smiles, their mood changes when they see her. It's very therapeutic for them,” Alexandria Place activity director Angela Griffie said.

Her owners are Kay and John Daughtry. They make about 150 visits a year to places like the Ronald McDonald House and memory care units. It's a busy retirement activity Kay and John started unexpectedly.

In 2011, their 23-year-old niece died of cancer. Searching for a place to find comfort, Kay came across a miniature horse therapeutic organization.

She and John bought Brandy who now lives in their backyard and joins them on their road trips to places needing some extra care.

“You can't be sad if you have a little horse that's making people happy,” Kay said.

Happiness is easy to find here. All you have to do is look at people's faces when Brandy introduces herself.

“They really like her and enjoy her visits,” said resident Beverly Reynolds. “I like to see her come. I like her little costumes.”

Brandy oozes a sense of comfort many people crave. She does a majority of the mood changing, but it's John and Kay who make it possible as these everyday heroes preserve their niece's memory.

“Grief is just a love without a place to go and this kind of gives that love a place to go,” Kay said.

To track Brandy's visits click here.

If you have an idea for our next Everyday Hero please email us your idea to everydayheroes@charter.com