Molly the pony has a new leg!

[GoDiego]

After Hurricane Katrina hit Southern Louisiana, Molly a grey speckled pony was abandoned by her owners and spent weeks on her own before finally being rescued. She was sent to a farm where abandoned animals were stockpiled and whilst there was attacked by a pit bull terrier and almost died. Her gnawed right front leg became infected and her vet went to LSU for help. The LSU was overwhelmed and this pony was a welfare case so her outlook was not good.

 

 

Until a Surgeon Rustin Moore met Molly who was impressed by Molly's serious survival ethic. Molly would be care when she laid down making sure she did so on different sides to she did not get sores, She constantly shifted her weight and did not overload her good leg. Not only was she a smart poney but she was very gentle when people handled her even with her painful injuries.

 

Rustin Moore agreed to a truely amazing procedure to remove her leg below the knee and for a prosthetic limb to be attached.

 

 

“This was the right horse and the right owner,” Moore insists. Molly happened to be a one-in-a-million patient. She’s tough as nails, but sweet, and she was willing to cope with pain. She made it obvious she understood (that) she was in trouble.

 

The other important factor, according to Moore, is having a truly committed and compliant owner who is dedicated to providing the daily care required over the lifetime of the horse.

 

Molly’s story turns into a parable for life in post-Katrina Louisiana. The little pony gained weight, her mane felt a comb. A human pros thesis designer built her a leg.

 

The prosthetic has given Molly a whole new life, Allison Barca DVM, Molly’s regular vet, reports. And she asks for it! She will put her little limb out, and come to you and let you know that she wants you to put it on. Sometimes she wants you to take it off too.” And sometimes, Molly gets away from Barca. “It can be pretty bad when you can’t catch a three-legged horse,” she laughs.

 

 

Most important of all, Molly has a job now. Kay, the rescue farm owner, started taking Molly to shelters, hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers. Anywhere she thought that people needed hope. Wherever Molly went, she showed people her pluck. She inspired people. And she had a good time doing it.

 

“It’s obvious to me that Molly had a bigger role to play in life”, Moore said, “She survived the hurricane, she survived a horrible injury, and now she is giving hope to others.”

 

“She’s not back to normal,” Barca concluded, “but she’s going to be better. To me, she could be a symbol for New Orleans itself.”

 

This is Molly’s most recent prosthesis. The bottom photo shows the ground surface that she stands on, which has a smiley face embossed in it. Wherever Molly goes, she leaves a smiley hoof print behind!

 

 

Here is the link to the Molly foundation:

http://www.mollythepony.com/Home_Page.html

 

Also here is another link on how prosthetics have helped other animals including an Eagle with a prosthetic beak!

 

http://advocacy.britannica.com/blog/advocacy/2010/02/animal-prosthetics-surviving-on-human-ingenuity-and-compassion/

Edited September 1, 2010 by GoDiego

[judygram]

What a heartwarming story of a pony who just wouldn't quit, the loss of a leg doesn't keep her down, thanks so much for sharing that story with us.

[Luvparrots]

A very heartwarming story with a happy ending or perhaps a new beginning!

[Azzie]

Not just a pony who wouldn't quit, but also a whole bunch of people who refused to quit. What a great heart warming story!

[chelseaB]

Thanks for sharing this great story. It always renews my faith in people to see someone willing to "go the extra mile" to help a creature in such a terrible situation. Also so wonderful that she is giving back now by bringing joy & hope to people!

[GoDiego]

I just love the story as it proves that animals do not need to be disposed of just because they have something wrong with them and that there are alternatives. Molly proves that animals can adjust, I've always had horses and it has always been thought that if a horse breaks their leg then there is nothing that can be done for them. This just proves that there is always a way!

 

Not only has Molly proved how tough and intelligent horses can be but because of her fighting spirit she has inspired so many people and children with disabilities.

 

"Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams.” Molly did not need to be told this, she just did it instinctively, us humans should take a leaf out of her book.