One of the things Alayne and I spend a lot of time doing is responding to calls and e-mails from people across the country who have blind horses. Often they are asking if we can take the animal, but other times they're asking us for advice or just re-assurance because they want to keep the blind horse. Here's an e-mail we received yesterday that warmed our hearts:
My name is Jodi, and I spoke with you several months ago about a blind pony named Jasper that I was fostering who was seized by Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society in Texas. I just wanted to thank you for your help and advice as I have adopted him and found a little seeing-eye donkey to keep him company. Jasper has adapted well and his cognitive mapping is amazing. He’s gained confidence and trots around tossing his head, but follows me everywhere when I’m in his pasture. When he hears my voice, he calls to me and has learned various commands to help him with his disability. I’ve attached a picture of him with his donkey—thank you again for your help.
Here's a photo Jodi sent us of Jasper and his seeing-eye donkey friend Pepe. Notice the twine holding the bell around the donkey's neck, so Jasper can hear his buddy.
What Jodi found is what we have seen so often -- if you give a blind horse a chance, it will show you just how much it can enjoy life. Just like any disabled animal.
Thank you, Jodi!
(Click on photo for larger image.)
Thanks for the info. If I ever have access to a truck and horse trailer I would like to volunteer to help out the BEHS....I didn't know about this group.
Posted by: Karen SA/TX | December 05, 2005 at 04:29 PM
That's a wonderful story. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Roz | December 03, 2005 at 08:26 AM