Ann Edie, who has been blind since birth, pets her miniature guide horse Panda on a street near her home in suburban Albany, New York. Retired teacher Edie and her husband drained more than $30,000 from their retirement nest egg to get Panda a life-saving operation after she suffered a serious intestinal blockage. Horse lovers who follow a blog about Panda’s training have also kicked in more than $11,000 to help defray costs. To read her blog, go to: theclickercenter.com/the-panda-project-1