We’ve had a lot of different guests step in front of our photo booth over the years.

Walter was a first.

Walter is an 18-month-old mule, and he was visiting residents at a nursing home event along with two goats and two young bunnies. He came in with his handler wearing flowers around his neck and carrying a basket with water and soda for the residents.

People petted him, asked about him and enjoyed having him there. And eventually, someone had an idea.

Could Walter take a photo booth picture?

Walter Considered the Request

There was just one problem. The photo booth area was a little tight, and Walter wasn’t particularly interested in getting into position. His handler explained that Walter likes open spaces.

There was some coaxing. There were a few attempts.

Walter stayed Walter.

So no, we never really got Walter properly into the photo booth for the picture.

What Props Do You Pick for a Mule?

That did not stop us from trying the fun part.

Walter’s handler looked through the photo booth props and eventually landed on a purple boa and a pair of glasses. We weren’t entirely sure how that was going to go.

The boa went on.

The glasses went on.

And somehow, Walter was fine with both of them.

He didn’t chew the boa. He wore the glasses. Walter wasn’t interested in posing, but apparently he had no problem accessorizing.

A person taking a photo of Walter the mule wearing yellow glasses and a purple boa
The final Walter picture was taken with a phone, not by the photo booth.

Was It Technically a Photo Booth Picture?

Nope.

After trying to get the shot, the final picture was taken with a phone. So we’re not going to pretend Walter actually posed for the photo booth when he didn’t.

Did Walter wear the photo booth props?

He sure did.

And that turned out to be the part everybody remembered.

Sometimes the Fun Is the Part You Didn’t Plan

That event already had plenty happening around us. Residents were meeting the animals, people were stopping for photos, and many guests using walkers and wheelchairs came over to join in at the photo booth.

Near the end, one of the nursing home staff told us, “We had so much fun. Thank you.”

That’s the kind of comment that sticks with us, because events don’t always become memorable for the reason you expect.

And apparently, sometimes part of the fun is discovering that an 18-month-old mule may refuse to pose for your photo booth...

but he'll wear the boa and the glasses.

Why call it Lotsa Laffs if you can't have fun?