Million Dollar Pet Pix

A dog's disability and an owners great love brought about an invention that helps many other disabled dogs.

When Watson, a Sheepador (part sheepdog and part lab) was 15 years old he became affected with arthritis and hip dysplasia. He really had difficulty walking and needed to be carried everywhere.

His owner, Arnie Costell, knew that he would have to find a way to continue walking Watson and while watching a show about rock climbing, Arnie got the idea to make a sling for Watson's rear end.

Arnie went to a pet store, bought five leashes, cut them up and sewed them in a fashion so as he was able to slip it over Watson's "tush" for support.

Molly the Pony... A Story of Heroes, Survival and Caring... A True Story written and photo illustrated by Pam Kaster

In late August 2005, a fiercely powerful hurricane slammed into southern Louisiana.  Many people were caught by surprise by Hurricane Katrina’s destruction and had not made special plans for themselves or their animals. 

I managed a Red Cross Shelter for three days during the storm. I was humbled by the courage of the people in my shelter as the news started to filter out that most of them had probably lost their homes, fishing businesses, and their neighborhoods. 

Later, when I saw pictures during a fundraiser for the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine of a small pony undergoing a rare amputation surgery, I immediately recognized in her the spirit of survival I had witnessed in the people in my Red Cross Shelter.

She is less than a foot tall, has melting brown eyes, salt and pepper locks, and four strong paws. She's a dog with a heart larger than her body... or so it seems to us.

When my brother Ken was very ill, Kelly, a beautiful Schnoodle (part Schnauser and part Poodle) who has been a family pet for more than six years, showed her true colors and spirit. She was a gift to everyone during a really tough time.

During Ken's illness, Kelly more than earned the title of “Man’s Best Friend”. She knew intuitively how seriously ill Ken was and she proudly and defiantly took on the roles of caretaker, protector, alarm system, and even pain management consultant!