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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.
 Molly, a small pony, had been left in her barn while her owners evacuated from New Orleans. They intended to return home before Molly’s food and water ran out. However, so many trees had fallen and many areas were flooded they were unable to return. Luckily Molly was found by an animal rescue group two weeks after the hurricane.
Molly and several other rescued animals were moved to a nearby farm. Unfortunately, about three months later she was attacked by a rescue dog also living on the farm. She recovered from all her injuries except a deep bite on her right front leg. When it seemed the wound was not going to heal, her veterinarian recommended Molly be euthanized. A horse cannot live with only three legs.
However, Molly’s owner had different ideas. She convinced Molly’s veterinarian to contact the Louisiana State University School of Veterinarian Medicine to have Molly evaluated for a very rare surgery – the amputation of the damaged leg. After watching Molly for several days, the LSU veterinarians decided Molly had learned how to cope so well during the three weeks after her injury that she would be a good candidate for the surgery.
 Her lower leg was amputated and replaced with a prosthetic limb. The black rubber hoof on the bottom of the limb is stamped with a smiling face.
Within a few days Molly had learned to walk and not long after that she could trot.
She now goes to hospitals and retirement homes to make new friends. The children are happy when she is near and the elders enjoy stroking her mane. Wherever she goes, she leaves a trail of smiling faces.
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Source:
Molly the Pony, A True Story written and photo illustrated by Pam Kaster.
Published by LSU Press
http://www.lsu.edu/lsupress/bookPages/9780807133200.html
List Price: $15.95Amazon.com's Price: $10.85 You Save: $5.10 (32%)Prices subject to change.
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Binding: Hardcover
Dewey Decimal Number: 636.160929
EAN: 9780807133200
ISBN: 0807133205
Label: Louisiana State University Press
Manufacturer: Louisiana State University Press
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 36
Publication Date: April 29, 2008
Publisher: Louisiana State University Press
Reading Level: Ages 4-8
Studio: Louisiana State University Press
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Editorial Review:
Product Description:
Molly the pony waits. She waits in her stall. She waits during the storm. She waits for her owner to return.
So begins the true story of a patient pony who is rescued from a south Louisiana barn after Hurricane Katrina and finds a new life on a farm with new animal friends. But Molly's tale of courage does not end here.
When a dog on the farm attacks Molly, her front leg is badly injured. For a pony, a damaged leg is life threatening. To the amazement of veterinarians, though, Molly rises to her new challenge. She undergoes a rare surgery for horses: amputation of her front leg. Now fitted with a prosthetic limb, Molly relearns how to walk and embarks again on a new mission in life: making new people friends.
This plucky pony's story of survival and friendship will win the hearts of readers young and old. All who have had to start over after displacement, abandonment, injury, or amputation will find a friend in Molly as they follow her story of bringing a smile to everyone she meets.
Average Rating: 
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This is a wonderful book for children of all ages. It is an uplifting story of a little pony who went through a tough experience and now helps others. She proves that with hope and love you can make the world a better place. We donated this to the elementary school library.
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I read about Molly in a magazine and ordered the book for a 3rd grader whose right leg was removed because of cancer. I also ordered a copy for the school library. The part that said the other ponies touched her 'new leg' and then knew it was still their friend, Molly....wow!!! That is what happened at school. The students saw the 'new leg', said, 'WOW--it is purple." then the school day went on!!! I LOVE this book and hope to meet Molly one day!
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This is the incredible story of Molly, a Pony of the Americas, who survived for 2 weeks with no care after Hurricane Katrina. Then she was rescued and taken to a farm, where she was attacked by a brutal dog. Her leg had to be removed. She was fitted with a prosthetic device--complete with a smiley face on the bottom of her "hoof." She was very patient while she was fitted. Now she goes to nursing homes and children's homes and brings a smile to their faces. It brought tears to my eyes. I love ... Read More
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We purchased the books to donate to a local hospital's childrens department. This book shares the hardships of a brave little pony who worked with her doctors and owner to overcome a monumental medical problem. It goes on to show that even after the loss of her leg the other ponies still accepted her and and shows that she is still able to live a happy life. It's an inspiration for children facing major medical problems.
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This book is wonderful. It is had to find books with prostetic limbs, my son was so happy to see Molly wearing one. This book was well put, with beautiful photos.
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