Rating:

5.0 (1 vote)

WEST BEND, Wis. - Tinker may be miniature - as in a miniature horse - but he's a big money raiser for the Salvation Army.

He uses his mouth to hold and ring a red bell and also picks up a "Thank You Merry Christmas" sign. He can also bow and give kisses.

Crowds usually gather to watch the 13-year-old horse and take photos, pet him and, of course, put some money in the red kettle.

Major Roger Ross, a Salvation Army commander, says Tinker brings in 10 times the amount of a regular bell ringer in the area.

One of Tinker's owners, Carol Takacs, said his name was Tinker when they got him. She says they couldn't have named him better if they tried.