Dear Madeline,

Several years ago I ordered this book for you.  It is autographed by the author.  Now, this book would seem too young for you, but it is a wonderful true story about a pony named Madeline.  When Madeline was a young filly, she got kicked in the elbow by another horse and it crippled her leg.  Some women from an equine rescue shelter took her and her pony friend to their farm, Mylestone.  The ponies were very thin and scruffy and the women saw that Madeline was walking on three legs! 

The women called a veterinarian to look at Madeline.  He  told them that the injury was very bad because no one took care of it when it happened.  Madeline was only two years old.  The doctor said that there was a special kind of surgery that might make Madeline's leg straighter and make her more comfortable.  The surgery would be very expensive, even though the doctor offered to perform the operation for free.  Madeline had to stay at the hospital for a month, and Mylestone had to pay for the medical supplies, also.

For months visitors came to see Madeline as the volunteers tried to raise the money for her surgery.

One young girl read about Madeline in the newspaper and she came from far away to see Madeline.  She told the volunteers that she had asked for donations for Madeline's surgery instead of birthday presents. 

After that story was in the newspaper, other children began to do the same thing.  Some children raised money for Madeline's surgery by having bake sales, selling candles and collecting contributions.  The women who ran the equine rescue farm had to open a bank account just for Madeline!

Soon, Mylestone had several thousand dollars, just what they needed for the surgery.  Madeline had to rest for six months in her stall before she could have the surgery.  She was impatient, but had many visitors and her pony friend. 

After the surgery, Madeline had a cast on her leg.

She had to stay at the hospital a long time while the doctors took care of her leg.

After Madeline came home she wore a special leg brace to give her more support.  Eventually, she was more comfortable without it.  She uses her three good legs more, but her crippled leg is much straighter.  She gets massages and lots of attention.  Every day is work, but she never gives up.  She is a pony with courage! 

Part of the money that I used to buy the book goes to help the horses and ponies at Mylestone.  Someday I hope I can give you this special book myself.

Love, your U li si.