The 2-year-old bay filly with the tiny white star came into our lives in March, during the cold, blustery, winter-into-spring weather we get here in the mountain valleys of Montana.

The horrific injury to her right front leg had nearly cost her her life. She had somehow cut the big muscle on her forearm clear through, all the way to the bone. This muscle works to bring the front leg forward and it was completely severed.

No one knows how she hurt herself; she was found in her pasture with the wound. Although they wanted to keep her, her owners simply didn't have the ability to offer her the intensive care she would require. The husband had been sent to Iraq and the wife is here with three little kids and a full-time job. They made the heart-wrenching decision to put the filly down.

My partner and friend, Dr. Stephanie Byrket, had been caring for the filly. When she told me of the decision that had been made for the filly, I offered to take her. Neither of us like to put animals down although sometimes it is the most kind choice.

I ended up with the filly later that day. With blankets against the cold, medications against pain and ulcers, and good nutrition, Savannah the filly, started out on the long road to a possible recovery.

The first few days the weather was so cold and wet, my only goal was to keep her as comfortable, warm and dry as possible. We washed the wound every day while feeding her a high-protein diet to help her body repair itself.

She had not been handled much but she seemed to appreciate that we were trying to help her and stood quietly through all the work we did on her. She started to nicker when anyone showed up, looking for a treat of grain or pellets. I removed the blanket the first day the weather warmed up.

That was when I started to wonder if I had actually done the right thing in giving this filly a chance. With the blanket off, the wound stood out in all its terrible glory. I had several calls that day to my office and home from people concerned about the injured horse at our house. The sheriff's office contacted me and the livestock inspector showed up to make sure we were aware of the injury to our horse.

The concern and compassion people expressed for Savannah made me feel good. People really do care and are willing to step up and say something when they are concerned about an animal. But the concern and attention made me question my decision to take her.

When she tried to walk, she could only walk in a circle around her wounded leg. She started to gnaw at her leg, which made it necessary to create a neck cradle so she couldn't reach the wound with her mouth. There was a 2-inch by 4-inch area of the wound where the bone was completely exposed. I wondered if she would recover. Meanwhile, her attitude stayed so pleasant and sweet I decided to continue her treatment.

My friend Louise Payne is a physical therapist who loves animals. I asked her for advice in Savannah's treatment and rehabilitation. She gave us some ideas for an exercise and stretching plan to keep as much mobility as we could in the filly's leg. I did therapeutic massage on her back, neck and legs to help reduce muscle pain and cramping. She truly seemed to enjoy the physical therapy sessions we created for her.

She started to learn to walk in a straight line. Sometimes, I sensed frustration in her face, but she is a determined little girl and really seems to want to live. After a few weeks, I noticed that she was moving all over the little pasture, rarely in the same place or position for very long. She follows Bo, my older gelding, everywhere.

Her eyes are bright and alert, and she's interested in all the activity around our place. She's filling out and getting a glossy, healthy, bright bay summer coat. Being scratched and petted is her favorite thing next to eating her high-protein pellets.

Yesterday, I removed the neck cradle and she's leaving her wound alone. The formerly exposed bone has a good covering of granulation tissue, and although the wound is still open, it doesn't appear to be bothering her. She gets around the pasture easily now, using her leg more and more.

She may never be a riding horse, but she is a survivor. And with her bloodlines, she can be an outstanding quarter horse brood mare.

Without the help and support of many people, Savannah would have been humanely destroyed back in the cold and wintry weather in March. I am grateful for the input and advice I've received from my friends who understand my need to help and heal animals. Her story inspired more comments than any other column I've submitted, and I feel like she's part of a greater community than just my circle of friends.

There are months of healing ahead, but I am delighted to report that she is getting better and going to be fine. There will be a final Savannah story when her recovery is complete.

Tia Nelson, is a local veterinarian specializing in an approach to animal health that combines traditional veterinary medicine with holistic, natural practices.