CHARLOTTE, Mich. (AP) — Clifford, a Michigan horse that entertained people with his ability to paint with sponges, has died. He was 28.
The horse lived near Charlotte, southwest of Lansing, and regularly visited schools, libraries and other public events. His owner, Nancy Bailey, tells the Lansing State Journal that he died on July 1 due to a disease that affects the central nervous system.
Bailey taught Clifford to paint abstract art in 2009. He pushed a paint-covered sponge around with his nose and mouth.
Bailey says her horse had a "sense of humor and ... really liked interacting with people." A month before his death, Clifford visited with young patients and medical staff at a parking lot outside Sparrow Hospital in Lansing.
Spokesman John Foren says the children's faces "just lit up."
