Molly the Pony: Symbol of Hope
Written by admin2 on July 28th, 2009Filed under: Campaign Watch, Irked Videos
Never has the world seen a pony quite like Molly…
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About Molly the Pony:
Molly the Pony was rescued by Kaye and Glenn Harris after Hurricane Katrina. Unfortunately, several months later she was attacked by another Katrina rescue going through emotional trauma, a pit bull. Although her other numerous wounds healed, her leg did not make it. Her rescuer and now owner, Kaye Harris, went to bat for Molly, requesting amputation and a prosthesis. This is rare [for a pony] and there were obstacles that were overcome and now Molly visits anyone who could use her quiet wisdom and inspiration. She has impacted and inspired many people of all ages and abilities. A children’s book was written about her and her story has traveled around the world.
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Watch an extraordinary video produced by the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine’s world-class “Equine Health Studies” program (segment about Molly begins at 2min 15 sec):
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Quoting latimesblogs.latimes.com:
Adult horses are not very good at living on three legs because the opposite leg of the one missing usually fails. But since veterinarians had little hope for Molly’s recovery without the procedure, her right front leg was eventually amputated below the knee. Soon she was fitted with a prosthetic replacement and now gets along like a champ. “It can be pretty bad when you can’t catch a three-legged horse,” said Dr. Allison Denny-Barca, a veterinarian who worked with Molly after her injuries and continues to see her for check-ups. Molly has become a source of inspiration for many humans who, like her, have lost limbs due to injury or illness. Earlier this month, she attended the No Barriers festival in Miami, an annual event that uses adaptive technologies to help people with disabilities enjoy outdoor activities such as scuba diving, cycling and kayaking. There she met Army Spc. Chris Miller, whose right leg was amputated after being injured in Iraq last fall.
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Quoting readingeagle.com:
The Brickeys researched horse prostheses and found inspiring stories, including that of Molly, a pony abandoned during Hurricane Katrina and attacked by a dog. She now lives with a prosthetic leg. Still, the Brickeys found their options few and difficult. Getting treatment at Louisiana State University, where Molly had surgery, would require too far a drive for Bucky . . . In May, Nancy called NexStep Inc., a West Lawn company that produces human prostheses, to inquire about gel socks for Bucky. What Nancy didn’t know was that Rick L. Milen, NexStep owner and a certified prosthetist, wanted the challenge of creating an animal prosthesis. Bucky became his first animal amputee. Milen took a mold of Bucky’s stump, researched horse anatomy and studied what doctors did for Molly. He expects to complete a final prosthesis by late July or early August. Milen said he is unsure what the final price will be, but he plans to charge the Brickeys no more than what it costs him to make the device.
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Quoting cbsnews.com:
Molly seems to have one special gift—with kids who are a little different. Kim Batlz’s son Ben had bone cancer last year. Eventually doctors had to remove his right leg. At 7, learning to walk again, he wondered how he would fit in at school. Then at a camp for cancer kids, Ben met Molly. ”He just connected with Molly and hung out with her,” Kim said. “And was awestruck that she had prosthesis and was walking so well.” . . . ”She was kind of like me,” Ben explained. ”I think seeing Molly actually surviving—and doing so well—I think it helped him say, hey, I can handle this too,” Kim said. The day after meeting Molly, Ben went back to school. He’s never looked back. ”There is something about Molly,” Ben said. “You have to see it in action. But she gives people hope.” Just ask Ben Baltz—if you can get him off his skateboard.
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Watch the wonderful CBS News video segment that accompanied the article:
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Quoting miamiherald.com:
Between activities [at the No Barriers Festival in Coconut Grove], some attendees stopped to greet one of the event’s high-profile amputees, Molly the pony. The gentle gray mare with a prosthetic leg—supervised by owner Kaye Harris, volunteer Yolanda Jacobs and Ruby, an Australian shepherd—quietly posed for photos with all who asked. Molly is widely considered an example of the ”never-give-up” mentality.
Molly visits organizations such as hospitals, schools, nursing homes, army bases. She’s been all over New Orleans and also to various places in Louisiana, Texas and Alabama so far. However, she’s received requests from ALL OVER the United States for her to come spread her “Molly Magic”!
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Quoting mollythepony.com:
The “Kids and Ponies – Molly’s Foundation” is in the formative stages. Its purposes:
- To care for Molly and other retirees or rescued ponies for the rest of their lives.
- To support Molly’s work with those who need her inspiration.
- Administer educational programs for children using ponies to support what they are learning in school.
- Rehabilitative programs that utilize Molly and the other rescued/retired ponies for improved social, ethical, mental and emotional health.
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Learn more at mollythepony.com
or…
Buy a special edition of Molly’s children’s book
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