Meet Molly!!

This week, I am featuring a story about Molly, a special needs equine. Yes, a shetland pony!! Molly survived Hurricane Katrina, to be rescued into a loving home with other farm animals and dogs. Sadly, one of the dogs attacked the ponies, and Molly took the brunt of the attack. Her leg was severed to the tendon, and her hoof fell off from the wound. Usually this is a death sentence for any horse, but not Molly!! Her owner and vet took a brave step, operated and fitted her with a prosthetic leg made by Bayou Orthotic and Prosthetic Center. Molly has learned to be still to have her leg put on and off, and she can balance her weight to allow this. Molly now visits homes for special needs children and nursing homes to help inspire others with her story of will and courage. Her owner does stress that this is not a cure all for horses with leg problems, and due to her smaller size, the operation was a success. Funding is also key for this type of operation and recovery. Molly has recently published her first childrens' book, Molly the Pony: A True Story” by Pam Kaster. To read more about this amazing horse, please note the link to this article, which has a You Tube video of Molly! http://therail.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/06/11/three-legs-a-big-heart-and-now-a-lot-of-fans/

Cerebellar Hypoplasia Cats and Kittens

I thought I would give a basic overview of this condition for today's blog. This is a condition cats are born with due to an infection in the mothers' pregnancy; the condition affects the cerebellum which is responsible for co-ordination and balance. Cats do not die of this condition, and it isn't degenerative nor painful. CH cats live a full and happy life and are just have a little wobble. These are loving, sweet cats who need a little extra TLC in their home. A few throw rugs to help with balance, and a deep bed with sides to support the cat are not much to provide. They eat the same food and use the same litter as other cats, but due to their needs, there may be a bit more of a mess to clean up. Tolerance, patience and pure love are keys to a forever home for a CH cat. Many times these cats are overlooked in shelters as they are deemed "different". Open your heart and home for a CH cat and you will never regret that decision. A head bonk from a wobbly cat will make you melt! As the proud Mom of a special needs cat who is blind, deaf and has motor skill issues from severe abuse, I can assure you that it the love from Sierra is given back to me tenfold. I would not hesitate to adopt a CH cat or kitten, and I hope you will consider it too!