Savannah's Rescue Story Savannah's story, for us at least, starts with an email from Jan Austin, president of the Meadowview Equestrian Club. Jan told us of Savannah's predicament and put us in touch with her trainer Sheryl Lynde. After an initial phone conversation with Sheryl we went to visit Savannah to gather more information about her and take photos. We were immediately charmed by her sweet and loving personality. Sheryl, being a John Lyons certified trainer, already had Savannah well started under saddle and was already riding her out on the trails. Sheryl has done such a wonderful job of gaining her trust in an effort to prepare her for an uncertain future with blindness. We knew we wanted to take her home with us at that first meeting. Unfortunately finances limit the number of horses we can rescue and we were already at our limit. We knew we had to find a way to save Savannah so we started to look for a possible sponsor. About a week or so later we were fortunate enough to meet Martha Koukios who had heard of our rescue efforts and wanted to get involved as a way to bring horses back into her life. Martha and her niece Paige Koukios wasted no time in sponsoring Savannah. Due to their support we were able to accept Savannah into our rescue program. Savannah fit right in, adapting well to her new environment and stall mates. Due to her training, she is able to work as a lesson horse and she has fast become everyone's favorite. She seemed to be a fairytale story in the making, however, we were still concerned about her eye sight. Shortly after Savannah's arrival, we were able to schedule an eye exam with our new local vet, Roberta Zajac, DVM of Spartan Veterinary Services. Roberta donated her time and the eye exam to help us find out more about Savannah's eye condition. After the examination, Roberta felt we needed to see an eye specialist and helped research and locate one for us. Roberta put us in touch with Jamie J. Schorling, DVM, MS of The Eye Clinic for Animals. At the same time Martha Koukios became very involved, researching eye conditions and looking for an eye specialist. Martha had become very knowledgeable on the subject and was very eager to talk to Jamie. After speaking to Jamie, Martha generously decided to sponsor the eye exam and we soon had an appointment. We met up with Jamie at the Helen Woodward Animal Center were Savannah was to have her eye exam. Once again, Savannah amazed everyone with her kindness and trust. She had no problem being led into a darkened examination room inside a building with strange sounds, people and animals about. Or being poked and prodded in her eyes for that matter! She truly is an amazing horse with a wonderful mind. After several tests, it was determined that she suffers from Congenital Stationary Night Blindness. This is good news as she does not have cataracts and her day vision is unaffected. Her lack of night vision can be compensated for with a simple night light in her stall and since the diagnosis is "stationary" it should not get better or worse over time. It is a shame to think that such a wonderful life with so much to offer was nearly snuffed out over a night light. Savannah now has a new lease on life with plenty of love and attention. She now has a fairytale story all of her own. You too can be a part of a fairytale story by donating or sponsoring a horse or animal. A donation of $5 will help feed a horse for a day or two. $20 will feed a horse for a week. $40 will cover a farrier visit. Simply ask us how or click on the donate button below. Also, be sure to sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest on our horse and animal rescues, events and special projects.
Savannah's story, for us at least, starts with an email from Jan Austin, president of the Meadowview Equestrian Club. Jan told us of Savannah's predicament and put us in touch with her trainer Sheryl Lynde. After an initial phone conversation with Sheryl we went to visit Savannah to gather more information about her and take photos. We were immediately charmed by her sweet and loving personality. Sheryl, being a John Lyons certified trainer, already had Savannah well started under saddle and was already riding her out on the trails. Sheryl has done such a wonderful job of gaining her trust in an effort to prepare her for an uncertain future with blindness. We knew we wanted to take her home with us at that first meeting. Unfortunately finances limit the number of horses we can rescue and we were already at our limit. We knew we had to find a way to save Savannah so we started to look for a possible sponsor. About a week or so later we were fortunate enough to meet Martha Koukios who had heard of our rescue efforts and wanted to get involved as a way to bring horses back into her life. Martha and her niece Paige Koukios wasted no time in sponsoring Savannah. Due to their support we were able to accept Savannah into our rescue program. Savannah fit right in, adapting well to her new environment and stall mates. Due to her training, she is able to work as a lesson horse and she has fast become everyone's favorite. She seemed to be a fairytale story in the making, however, we were still concerned about her eye sight. Shortly after Savannah's arrival, we were able to schedule an eye exam with our new local vet, Roberta Zajac, DVM of Spartan Veterinary Services. Roberta donated her time and the eye exam to help us find out more about Savannah's eye condition. After the examination, Roberta felt we needed to see an eye specialist and helped research and locate one for us. Roberta put us in touch with Jamie J. Schorling, DVM, MS of The Eye Clinic for Animals. At the same time Martha Koukios became very involved, researching eye conditions and looking for an eye specialist. Martha had become very knowledgeable on the subject and was very eager to talk to Jamie. After speaking to Jamie, Martha generously decided to sponsor the eye exam and we soon had an appointment. We met up with Jamie at the Helen Woodward Animal Center were Savannah was to have her eye exam. Once again, Savannah amazed everyone with her kindness and trust. She had no problem being led into a darkened examination room inside a building with strange sounds, people and animals about. Or being poked and prodded in her eyes for that matter! She truly is an amazing horse with a wonderful mind. After several tests, it was determined that she suffers from Congenital Stationary Night Blindness. This is good news as she does not have cataracts and her day vision is unaffected. Her lack of night vision can be compensated for with a simple night light in her stall and since the diagnosis is "stationary" it should not get better or worse over time. It is a shame to think that such a wonderful life with so much to offer was nearly snuffed out over a night light. Savannah now has a new lease on life with plenty of love and attention. She now has a fairytale story all of her own. You too can be a part of a fairytale story by donating or sponsoring a horse or animal. A donation of $5 will help feed a horse for a day or two. $20 will feed a horse for a week. $40 will cover a farrier visit. Simply ask us how or click on the donate button below. Also, be sure to sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest on our horse and animal rescues, events and special projects.
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