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‘Backup’ reindeer visits local vet clinic
While it’s become an annual tradition for a reindeer to visit Animal Medical Clinic around this time each December, this year’s guest of honor was extra special.
You see, this year’s guest of honor Elsa isn’t your run-of-the-mill reindeer.
Instead handler Sierra “Sprinkle” told visitors to the Greencastle northside clinic that Elsa has a very special role to play should any more famous reindeer have some problems in a few days.
“She’s a backup reindeer for Santa,” Sierra said. “Every year, one of the reindeer stumbles, so they have to stop and get Elsa or one of the other reindeer.”
Even with her special job as a sort of sixth man (10th reindeer?) for Santa Claus, Elsa still makes her home at Silly Safaris in Acton, Ind., living with the other animals and making goodwill visits to schools, libraries, birthday parties and to folks like Dr. John Scamahorn and his staff.
Even Sierra has a special role to play, explaining to the visiting children that she’s an elf. Asked by one little girl why she wasn’t short, Sierra said not all elves are short.
“The little ones make the toys, but some of us take care of the reindeer,” Sierra explained.
Pressed further about why her ears weren’t pointy, Sierra said she wears a big hat because she’s self conscious about them.
Furthermore, she even said Santa gave her the name “Sprinkle” because she makes such good cookies.
Tuesday’s special guests also included Snowball the rabbit and Owbert the owl.
However, most of the attention was on Elsa and her important job next week, when the Man with the Bag just might call her number.