Woman goes the extra mile for guide horse
DELMAR: As a blind woman, Ann Edie has relied on her hip-high miniature horse for 14 years to guide her through life’s obstacles.
The fuzzy black and white service pony named Panda has led Edie across busy streets and up and down stairways, fetched her house keys and even stood quietly in restaurants while she ate her meals.
So when Panda was the one needing help, Edie was glad to return the favour.
The little horse was stricken with a life-threatening intestinal blockage about a year ago, and Edie and her husband have drained more than US$30,000 (RM129,000) from their retirement nest egg to pay for sur- gery and advanced veterinary care.
They have also spent many months nursing Panda through a series of complications and back onto the streets of their suburban Albany neighbourhood in New York.
“Of course I wanted to do everything I could to save her as she’s very special,” said Edie, a 69-yearold retired teacher.
A network of horse enthusiasts who follow a blog about Panda’s training has also kicked in more than US$11,000 (RM47,600) through a crowdfunding campaign to help defray the veterinary bills as she trots down the long road to recovery.
Edie has had guide dogs before. Her Labrador retriever Bailey died after nine years of service, but two German shepherds turned out to be prone to chasing kids or animals.
Emotionally drained by Bailey’s death and frustrated by failures with subsequent dogs, Edie decided to try a miniature horse as they live much longer – up to 40 years – and have traits that make them well-suited to guide work.
“As herd animals, horses very much live in a social environment and are attuned to their people,” said Edie.
“The freedom of being able to relax and work with her, walk with her, is wonderful. It comes down to the relationship and the fact that she’s so good at what she does.”