Chalk it up to equine magnetism. The moment he appeared on scene, Yawnee, a mini-mule, was surrounded by youngsters reaching out to pet him and give him a hug.
Helpers, animal and human, occupied the spotlight last week as Placerville residents joined communities across the country in the annual celebration of National Night Out. The event, designed to bring neighbors together to fight crime and promote public safety, was celebrated in the city with 38 block parties and community events.
The Placerville Aquatics Center and adjoining park proved a popular venue this year. Families gathered for a free hot dog barbecue, and children got acquainted with local celebrities.
With royal-blue glitter adorning his hooves, Yawnee exuded a quiet star quality. A cross between a Shetland pony and a donkey, he is the only mule among the equine team for Shingle Springs-based Ride & Shine, a therapeutic riding program for people with physical, mental and developmental disabilities. Yawnee was named Equine of the Year for the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association's Region 11, serving California, Hawaii and Nevada.
"He's a sweetie," said 11-year-old Selena Merlos, who was among the throng of youngsters who greeted the 26-year-old mule.
"He's very charming, very gentle, very understanding," said Kris Van Winkle, a member of Ride & Shine's board of directors.
Many children who are afraid of the larger horses are drawn to Yawnee, said Kayla Tindell, a program instructor.
"Some kids that never walked before took their first steps with Yawnee," she said.
Also attracting plenty of attention was Hangtown Hank, the newest member of the Placerville Police Department's K-9 corps. Hank has the distinction of being one of the few bloodhounds serving with police departments in California, his partner, Sgt. John Kunkle, said.
The gentle Hank welcomed the affections of youngsters.
"He's not an aggression dog," Kunkle said, noting that the bloodhound is trained for tracking and can be particularly useful in locating people who are lost, missing or trying to hide from police.
"His reward is to find somebody and kiss them," Kunkle said.
Other rescuers were on hand to acquaint the community with their services. Firefighters showed off their equipment and allowed youngsters to climb behind the steering wheel of a fire engine. Members of El Dorado County Search and Rescue's swiftwater rescue team also paddled around the city swimming pool.
"They're practicing on a puppet," 6-year-old Ava Roser-Hudspeth said, pointing to a life-size dummy on a floating stretcher.
Team member Aaron Fish of Placerville said the evening in the pool was a placid interlude for rescuers accustomed to the American River.
Call The Bee's Cathy Locke, (916) 608-7451.
