Meet Holli

This is Holli, the alpaca, who brings hope and inspiration to everyone she visits, especially the elderly in nursing homes and children of all ages. Holli, you see, has been through many trials of her own. Born prematurely on a farm in St. Louis, she was rescued by Michele Zumwalt, who raises alpacas at her farm, The Alpaca Patch.

To complicate matters, Holli was spooked by a young dog and injured her spine. Zumwalt chose to try and rehab Holli, and as a result, the young alpaca travels in her own, custom built wheelchair. It makes for some interesting bonding with people who are also confined to moving chairs.

Because she is literally at the same level as people in wheel chairs, she can roll right up to them. The result, explains Zumwalt, is that the people can reach out and really touch and handle her. Holli, "is very patient and very energetic and enthusiastic to interact with them," she continues. "She seems to really encourage them because she has never given up."

Holli's rehabilitation has been quite an expensive and lengthy trial for Zumwalt (the alpaca requires daily physical therapy and muscle stimulation) but contributions from those who have been inspired by Holli's persistence have helped ease the financial strain. In fact, one of those animal lovers, Valerie Smith of Topeka, Kansas,even contributed $700 to have her custom wheelchair created.

"When I heard about Holli, I know it's just like a baby with multiple physical handicaps," said Smith. Smith was also instrumental in having Holli seen by Dr. David Anderson, a professor of veterinary medicine at Kansas State University, who was amazed at Holli's persistence. "At this point, I would have to speculate that Holli has every chance of living a high quality life," he said. "Based on her response to the therapy she has received, she may even have the opportunity to walk again. her ready adaption of the wheelchair is a testament to her desire to get up and going."

What's that Seabiscuit's owner said? Something along the lines of "You don't give up on people or animals just because they are a little beat up." Surely this story proves his point.