Saturday, October 27, 2007

Saddled With The Problem

They'll Debate This Until They're Hoarse

The Central Vermont Community Land Trust usually has no objection to a service animal moving into its apartments. But Patty Cooper's service animal is a black and white miniature horse. The non-profit housing group is trying to accommodate the disabled woman's new companion amid concerns about the horse's need for grazing space and whether it will be adequately housebroken. Preston Jump, the executive director of the Land Trust, said they want to do what's right for Cooper's neighbours and for the horse.

FOOTNOTE: Don't bridle at the suggestion.

14 comments:

Merisi said...

Poor pony!

Melissa said...

Poor pony is right! I have never heard of a service pony, only service dogs.

Shrink Wrapped Scream said...

House-trained?? Blimey. I know of a blind man in England who has a minature shetland pony as a "guide dog", perhaps he could give them some tips?

none said...

I've never seen a poty trained horse. that just goes against their nature. Ride fast poop free.

Unknown said...

Unique "service animal!f I wonder how restaurants respond.

Victorya said...

I've heard of the service ponies, but not in apartments. Great hypoallergenic and smart animals, not sure about the potty-training though! Unless they are trained to clean up after themselves. . .Maybe you can though, like dogs, train them to at least go outside.

Nessa said...

We must always accommodate eveyone's wants and needs; it's a rule, not common sense.

Lynilu said...

Oh, my, what next??? Don't you wonder when headlines/stories go from doom and gloom to the ridiculous? Where's the in-between, average life??

Tom said...

Is this true? did you hear it from the horse mouth?
Sorry David I just couldn't resist that, I'll gallop back to Wiggers World before I whip up a storm. Why not saddle up and join me David, we could go for a nose bag.

Morgan W. Brown said...

For those interested in reading as well as learning more about Patty Cooper and her replacement service animal, Earl — a miniature (mini) horse, check out her blog.

Like a couple of people who commented on the subject within this particular string have already mentioned, Patty Cooper is not the first person with a disability to use a mini horse as a (replacement) service animal, others have done so as well. One such example can be found via the brief article from USA Today on the subject from earlier this year ( 1/28/2007): Mini-horse helps blind New York woman.

By the way, although CVCLT and others are referring to Earl as being a pony, the fact is there is a big difference between ponies and mini horses, just like there is a huge difference between ponies and larger horses. It is much like comparing apples to oranges.

Morgan W. Brown said...

With apologies for the above two links not working. My bad.

Here goes again:

her blog

USA Today article: Mini-horse helps blind New York woman

Diva's Thoughts said...

Are you kidding me??!!!! That is crazy!! What in the world is a service horse for? And in an apartment complex. Bananas!

katherine. said...

interesting post and comments...

and very "punny" David...

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