Two miniature horses, Dolly and Snuggles, visited the James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital last month for Snuggles’ ophthalmology check-up following laser surgery on her right eye in October.
Snuggles, who is 4 years old, lost her left eye when she was a month old to an infection and her right eye has glaucoma. Although it's unlikely that Snuggles will ever have much ability to see clearly, the surgery helped to improve her vision, and her work to help others has not been hindered by her limited sight. Dolly travels with Snuggles to keep her company.
The visit was somewhat of a role-reversal because the two miniatures work and travel across the state of Texas visiting rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, Alzheimer's units, special needs children centers and hospitals to bring cheer to patients through equine therapeutic healing.
The two are part of a group of miniature horses from Hearts and Hooves, located in Lubbock, Texas, which has struggled with rehabilitation of its own miniature horses after the group of five were attacked by pit bulls a year ago. Two of the horses died as a result of the attacks. While the surviving three miniature horses -- Honor, Sparkles and PepperJack -- were recovering, Dolly and Snuggles (who also is pregnant) joined the team. All five often are used in the mission of Hearts and Hooves.
To view the story of Snuggles, visit the KDVR Web site at http://www.kdvr.com/news/kdvr-miniature-horse-blind-012309,0,415110.story
