One of the things we do is spend a lot of time emailing or on the phone answering questions and helping folks who have disabled animals. This is particularly true when it comes to blind horses. A few months ago we were contacted by a couple in Maine who had just decided to take a blind foal. Now, this is very unusual, because typically when we get a call about a blind foal it's because someone wants us to take it off their hands. Not this time.
The couple, Lisa Bither and Jim Arthur, had seen our BlindHorses.org site and had some questions about caring for the blind baby they had just agreed to bring to their Black Horse Farm. We've been in touch with them a number of times since then.
Well, the baby is now nearly four months old, and the local paper in Lewiston, Maine -- the Sun Journal -- did a story yesterday on the foal and her new life at Lisa and Jim's farm. The photo above is one that ran with the story, which was headlined "Blind Love." You can read the Sun Journal article here.
Our hats are off to Lisa and Jim for saving this little girl!
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Speaking of news articles, the Helena Independent Record here in Montana carried a story in today's paper about our recent award from the International Fund for Animal Welfare. You can read the story here. Note that the article somehow placed us in Helmville rather than Ovando (no, we haven't moved!), and Alayne hasn't changed her name to 'Elayne,' but it's a very nice piece.
What a sweet little filly Jim and Lisa have! It brings me such great joy to see adoptions and extensions of love to (disabled) animals. We wish you many years of fun and success with your foal!
Posted by: Boundforglory | November 29, 2007 at 09:31 AM
It's wonderful that Lisa & Jim have adopted the blind foal. When I read the article, I was amazed at the similar traits of the "grabbing the zipper" that Brynn did as well! I'm so glad that you've helped them with this decision! Bravo!
Congrats again on the fantastic award & being rewarded from the IFAW! That's such an honor & you are the FIRST in the US! What an excellent honor! You have both earned it!
Big hugs all around,
ginger, Tobias & Tlingit
Posted by: ginger & Tobias (the greythound) | November 28, 2007 at 05:35 PM
It must be so rewarding to know that your work has touched even more lives than you yourselves have saved. I love the look on that little girl's face - "Nope, nothing wrong with me!"
Posted by: Rebecca M. | November 28, 2007 at 02:46 PM
I LOVE their attitude- "What can't she do..."! Inspiration for us all. You and Alayne must be incredibly proud of the contribution you've made as an enabler through blindhorses.org.
No pun intended- Seeing is believing.
Posted by: Margaret | November 28, 2007 at 11:10 AM
We need more news about the doxies...especially that sweet chunky monkey, Callie. If they are outside in the snow, they have to be high centered.
Posted by: Sophie's mother | November 28, 2007 at 11:04 AM
You plant the seed, the tree will grow. Lisa and Jim are truly generous people who get it and are willing to try it. There must be something about zippers and foals...remember Cash, the zipper colt?
Please thank them from me for doing the right thing.
Posted by: Janet | November 28, 2007 at 10:15 AM
It's about time the GREAT news of your dedication, support and undying efforts was recognized. World wide we all owe a huge debt to Steve and Alayne. Congratulations.
Posted by: kimmber | November 28, 2007 at 09:39 AM
Thank you for the story of the blind foal!Congratulations for your award! Once again you have made my day!
Posted by: Mary Young | November 28, 2007 at 09:14 AM
Thank you Lisa and Jim for giving this beautiful girl a chance at life!! You will not be sorry in the least!!
Posted by: Laura | November 28, 2007 at 09:13 AM
Three cheers for Lisa & Jim, who are truly angels! Their sweet little filly (hope they'll soon come up with the perfect name for her:-)) is going to have a great life at Black Horse Farm, that's for sure!
God bless them all!
Posted by: Carla Polastro-Nigro | November 28, 2007 at 03:59 AM
Terrific on both accounts!
Posted by: Shirley & James, Portland, OR | November 28, 2007 at 12:13 AM