Miniature Therapy Horse Eager To Get Back To Work After Sickness

DAVIS (CBS13) – What seemed impossible just weeks ago is now a dream come true for the family of miniature therapy horse named Hope.

Hope's owners, Lisa and Ken Schaeffer, say she got sick overnight and the quick progression was concerning to say the least.

"Hope has been such a blessing to so many people and so we didn't know what we were gonna do," Lisa said. "We thought she was going to die a week ago."

Hope's doctors say her severe illness was a combination of a few things likely started by an infectious organism.

"A couple of days when she first came here, she was really touch and go," said Dr. Krista Estell, a UC Davis Veterinary Specialist. "We don't have any studies on it, but just from experience, it's a 50/50 shot with what I was able to give her and luckily she responded."

And now, Hope is eager to get back to work.

Though the worst is behind them, the Schaeffers are still asking for help.

"We are trying to make sure that we are caught up to the expense of being here, which was worth every cent, but it is expensive," Lisa said.

They've set up a fund, routing some of the money back to the place and people who brought Hope back to life.

"Anything left over, which is going to the YouCaring fund, can go right back to Davis for somebody else in need," Lisa said.

With the intention of helping others like themselves bring their babies home.

If you're interested in helping, here's the website: https://www.youcaring.com/lisa-schaeffer-owner-of-hope-466832