Ann Edie is blind and Panda, her miniature horse, does the work of a guide dog.
Guide horses are rare but when New York state based Edie lost her first guide dog she decided to get a horse, knowing that they can live 30 years or more.
“The communication between Panda and myself when we’re working is, I think, even closer than I was with my first guide dog.” said Edie.
When Panda suffered an intestinal blockage, Edie and her husband tapped into their retirement savings to cover the costs of the medical care.
The medical bills topped £20,000.
Edie said, “Of course I wanted to do everything I could to save her because she’s very special.
“She’s very important.”
“I’m always impressed with her accuracy. I’m always impressed by her focus.” said Panda’s trainer Alexandra Kurland.
Edie added, “If she doesn’t have another major colic event she can certainly live another 20 years or more.”
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