Sunday, July 8, 2012

Profiles in Courage: Molly the Pony





Molly the Pony
Molly
Molly was one of the many animals displaced by the wrath of hurricane Katrina in 2005. She was taken in by Kaye Harris, but she suffered an added tragedy when another displaced animal, a pit bull, mauled her on her jaw, abdomen, and legs. The right leg was the worst. She received emergency treatment and most of her injuries healed. But the right leg could not be saved. Kaye Harris' veterinarian recommended Kaye put Molly down.

But Kaye had watched Molly adapt to the dead leg as she healed from the other wounds. She already knew how to walk, lie down, and get up using three legs. Her tenacity moved Kaye. Like New Orleans, Molly was a survivor. Kaye appealed to the veterinarian to help Molly get a prosthesis for her right leg. 

They found help at the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Rustin Moore was skeptical but was swayed when he met Molly and saw her will to live. Molly came to be one of the few horses to overcome the challenges of amputation and live with a prosthesis.                       

Molly the Pony

As Molly recovered and adapted to her prosthesis, it occurred to Kaye that Molly was a Katrina comeback story.  She was a bit of good news and inspiration to a region that had suffered much loss. Kaye began taking Molly to hospitals and granted media interviews to tell Molly's story. Since then, Molly has become an ambassador for amputees and an encouragement to those suffering from disabilities.

Molly is now the mascot for Kids and Ponies Foundation. You can read more about Molly and the Kids and Ponies Foundation by visiting http://www.myspace.com/mollythepony

Today Molly travels to encourage others with disabilities.


Molly the Pony
Molly also helps others understand disabilities better.











Molly is featured in these books.




Photos courtesy Kaye Harris


4 comments:

Opal Stevens said...

Wow, that's amazing. I love every post that I've read on your blog :) So inspiring! Thanks for sharing.

Sarah said...

An amazing story! It's amazing what will some of these animals have

Malea said...

Wow! Beautiful story! I'm sharing with some friends that I know will love it.

Pam Thorson said...

Thanks, Opal, Sadie, and Malea. It is an amazing story of determination. Both Molly and her owner are an inspiration.