Most of you may be a bit confused by the title of this post. You may be thinking that I am literally talking about Winter. But actually, I'm not. Winter is the name of a beautiful Dolphin. She is the star of a movie called Dolphin Tale.
Dolphin Tale is a story of a dolphin that was rescued from a crab trap at sea. She injured her tail and it got infected, so doctors had to amputate the tail. The wonderful people at Clearwater Marine Aquarium worked with Winter so that she can still be able to swim without the use of her tail. Because Winter is a very smart dolphin, she learned how to swim without the tail by swinging the tail from side to side instead of the usual up and down motion that normal dolphins would do. She sort of looked like a snake moving across the water. Because the people at CMA keep a close watch on her, they noticed that this motion of her tail would eventually affect her spine and well, would hurt her in the long run. The sort out for an alternative to try to help Winter. They got in contact with a company called Hanger Orthotics and Prosthetics. They made prosthetics for injured war victims. They came up with a tail for Winter and were able to save her from further harm.
She does not wear the tail all the time. She uses it for physical therapy.
Winter without her prosthetic tail
Winter with the amazing prosthetic tale
Winter is alive, happy and well, currently living at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. The CMA receives tons and tons of email, mail and visits from people who have been inspired by this awesome dolphin. She has touched the lives of people across the range of young and old with her story of hope.
I know this isn't your average beauty or fashion post from me. But I was one of those people that she has inspired and touched with her hope. I try to give back to the community as much as possible and there are a few charities that I dedicated a lot of my time to. The CMA has a program where you can adopt or donate to help them save the lives of other helpless aquatic animals. I plan on organizing a fundraiser to help support this cause. Details to follow. But if you want to contribute, please visit The Clearwater Marine Aquarium to see how you can make a difference.
I am in no way getting paid, or being endorsed to do this post. This came straight from the heart.
The good thing about living in Florida, is that Clearwater is right here in Florida.
Sometime soon, I am planning on taking Ari on a trip to see Winter in person. Ari & I can't wait!
In the meantime, we keep tabs on Winter by going to www.seewinter.com and watching a live cam that they have set up. It's available 24 hours a day 7 days a week. It's even available at night! They have a special night vision camera that lets you see Winter and her 2 friends; Hope and Panama, swimming around, playing with toys, and seeing her visitors!
Ari and I have been watching it daily to keep tabs on the beauty. Winter really is a beautiful dolphin that will capture any sea creature lover's heart!
The movie Dolphin Tale is available now on DVD and Blue Ray disc. You have to check it out!
Be sure to check out the website to get more information on Winter after you watch the movie.
Enjoy darlings!XOXO
