Molly stayed at a barn in Middleburg, Va. during a visit to the area from her home in New Orleans. The pony, a survivor of the 2005 Hurricane Katrina, was mauled by a rescued dog who damaged her leg so badly it had to be removed to save her life.
Carol Guzy-The Washington Post
Molly gets a kiss from her guardian, Kaye Harris. "You know what amazes me? Her grit and the trust she puts in humans," Harris said. "Since her amputation in January 2006, Molly has made more than 40 therapeutic appearances throughout the United States bringing comfort and inspiration to hospitalized children, elderly in nursing homes and wounded military personnel."
Carol Guzy-The Washington Post
"She is very self-determined," said Harris as she prepared to attach Molly's prosthetic leg. Her original family never came to see her and didn't want her back. It recommend euthanasia, a procedure frequently done on horses that are badly injured.
Carol Guzy-The Washington Post
Harris attaches a prosthetic leg to Molly. It was donated from a Louisiana specialist.
Carol Guzy-The Washington Post
Harris gave the dog that attacked Molly to a ranch, believing he was not malicious. "I wanted him to have a chance," she said. "My heart was breaking for Molly and for him."
Carol Guzy-The Washington Post
Meg Mullery, who helped arrange a visit to Middleburg by Molly, holds her as she nuzzles Doodlebug, whom she follows everywhere.
Carol Guzy-The Washington Post
Molly and her guardian Kaye Harris take a walk in a snowstorm. Molly was stranded in a barn after Hurricane Katrina. Harris rescued her and took her to her farm in St. Rose, La., along with other rescued animals. Molly's former owner realized she could no longer care for Molly and offered adoption of Molly to Harris.
Carol Guzy-The Washington Post
The pony has visited wounded warriors participating in the caisson horses therapeutic riding program at Fort Myer. She has also met with disabled children at Lift Me Up, a riding program in Great Falls, Va.
Carol Guzy-The Washington Post
"You have to see the silver lining. If you don't after Katrina, you succumb," Harris said. Molly's prosthetic leg has a smiley face imprinted on it.
Carol Guzy-The Washington Post
"My motto is to listen. I listen to Molly," Harris said.
Carol Guzy-The Washington Post
Molly is one of three equine amputees in the world, Harris said.
Carol Guzy-The Washington Post
Erica Gudino, 9, holds Doodlebug as she assists Harris with preparing Molly for an appearance at Books & Crannies in Middleburg, Va. The bookstore held a signing for Molly's new book, "Molly the Pony: A True Story," which benefits her foundation, Kids and Ponies.
Carol Guzy-The Washington Post
"It's pretty bad when the three-legged pony outmaneuvers you," said Jennie Gudino as she walked Molly past shoppers after the book signing.
Carol Guzy-The Washington Post
Emmett Leachman walked under Molly during an appearance at the bookstore Books & Crannies in Middleburg, Va.
Carol Guzy-The Washington Post
Linda Huntington tenderly holds Molly's face. "You can't ride her anymore, but she can still do something that gives her life meaning," said Harris (not shown).
Carol Guzy-The Washington Post
Sydney Sloat, 7, reads a book about Molly. "Our goal for the foundation is something to last after me and Molly," said Harris (not shown) of the Kids and Ponies foundation.
Carol Guzy-The Washington Post
Laura Whitford walks her puppy Zoey past Molly while in Middleburg.
Carol Guzy-The Washington Post
Annette Lewis says "Awwww" as she looks with concern at three-legged Molly the pony.
Carol Guzy-The Washington Post
Erica Gudino, 9, cuddles Molly as she helps during the book signing. Molly is wearing a quilt made by the Blanketed with Love program for dogs with cancer. People from across the United States helped make it.
Carol Guzy-The Washington Post
Michele Stevens hugs her friend, Kaye Harris, left, after the appearance at Books & Crannies.
Carol Guzy-The Washington Post
Molly visited wounded soldiers participating in the Arlington National Cemetery caisson horses therapeutic riding program.
Carol Guzy-The Washington Post
Soldier Mariah Kochavi, who participated in the therapeutic riding program and died soon after this photograph was taken, pets Molly.
Carol Guzy-The Washington Post
A book tells Molly's story.
Carol Guzy-The Washington Post
An account of Molly's surgery is featured in a book.
Carol Guzy-The Washington Post
Molly meets with disabled children at Lift Me Up, a riding program in Great Falls.
Carol Guzy-The Washington Post
Children in the Lift Me Up program.
Carol Guzy-The Washington Post
Kim Buseman, who started with Lift Me Up in 1996, pets Molly.
Carol Guzy-The Washington Post
Molly at the Lift Me Up event.
Carol Guzy-The Washington Post
Kaye Harris,left, guardian of Molly, Kim Buseman of Lift Me Up.
Carol Guzy-The Washington Post
Molly and Harris prepare to leave after a visit to the Washington region from their home in New Orleans.
Carol Guzy-The Washington Post
Harris falls as she removes Molly's prosthetic leg after the event at Lift Me Up.
Carol Guzy-The Washington Post
"Molly continues down the road of helping others, leaving her mark and a smile wherever she goes," Harris has written.
Carol Guzy-The Washington Post
Molly and Harris prepare to leave the Washington area.
Carol Guzy-The Washington Post
Molly relaxes in the pasture at her home in St. Rose, La.
Carol Guzy-The Washington Post
Harris checks on Molly at their home in St. Rose, La.
Carol Guzy-The Washington Post
Gallery Credits:
Photo Editor Carol Guzy, Dee Swann
Text Editor Delece Smith-Barrow
