Found On The Net: Disabled Rabbit As A Role Model

There has been a moving story reported on People Magazine's pet section, here is an abbreviated version:

"Born paralyzed from the waist down, Alyna had very few choices for future care. But a therapist at Israel's ALYN children's hospital took interest in her case, and offered to help her out with a state-of-the-art brace. The interesting thing is, Alyna is a rabbit — but her situation has inspired children all around the hospital's rehabilitation facilities.

"They can put the brace on the rabbit, and see the difference in movement when she's in or out of it," she explains. "In turn, it takes away the children's fear, and makes it a lot of fun. Instead of the discomfort, they feel the mobility."

The contraption Alyna wears — and paralyzed children at ALYN wear — is an RGO brace, which wraps around the waist and legs. "By a system of arm movements and balance, it almost makes the wearer feel like they're walking," Lanyard says. "It's not comfortable, though, and most kids are afraid of it." Technically designed for humans, the custom brace has had the same effect on Alyna when she wears it, allowing her to move forward (though not hop) by using her front paws."