Ya Gotta Meet Molly!

It's always great when you can open up your email and find a story that makes you smile - this is one of those that will warm your heart.

Molly's a grey speckled pony who was abandoned when Hurricane Katrina hit southern Louisiana. She spent weeks on her own before finally being rescued and taken to a farm where abandoned animals were stockpiled. While there, she was attacked by a pit bull terrier and almost died. Her gnawed right front leg became infected and her vet went to Louisiana State University for help.

Unfortunately, LSU was overwhelmed and since Molly was a welfare case there didn't appear to be a happy ending to this story - until surgeon Rustin Moore met her. He saw that the pony was careful to lie down on different sides so she didn't get sores and how she allowed people to handle her. Molly protected the injured leg and constantly shifted her weight so the good limb wasn't overworked. She was a smart pony with a serious survival ethic.

Moore agreed to remove her leg below the knee and a temporary artificial limb was built - but it's when Molly walked out of the clinic that her story really began.

According to Moore, Molly was a one-in-a-million patient. "She's tough as nails, but sweet ... and she was willing to cope with the pain", he said. Molly made it obvious that she understood she was in trouble. And Moore says she's lucky to have a devoted owner who's committed to provide the daily care over her lifetime.

Molly's story turns into a parable for life in post-Katrina Louisiana. The little pony gained weight and her mane finally felt a comb. A human prosthesis designer built her a leg. "The prosthetic has given Molly a whole new life", says Allison Barca, Molly's regular vet.

And Molly asks for it. She will put her little limb out and let you know that she wants you to put it on. Sometimes she wants you to take it off as well. And at times Molly will get 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, and rehabilitation centers. Anywhere she thought that people needed hope. Wherever Molly goes, she inspires people and has 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's giving hope to others".

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

One picture shows Molly wearing her most recent prosthesis. The other shows the ground surface she stands on which has a smiley face embossed in it. Now Molly leaves behind a smiley hoof-print wherever she goes.