Local Horse Hero's Battle with Illness Ends in Sudden Death
The St. Paul community is mourning the loss of Jett, a former police horse who fought valiantly against illness for several weeks before succumbing to a bowel impaction that ultimately took his life on Christmas Day.
Jett, an appendix quarter horse estimated to be around 28 years old, had been battling a fever and struggling with minimal eating and drinking in the days leading up to his death. His owner, Jen Mink, who was partnered with him for about four years as a police officer, had established a GoFundMe page to cover veterinary expenses.
Despite the efforts of veterinarians, Jett's condition rapidly deteriorated, forcing an emergency euthanasia to end his suffering. According to Mink, the horse showed incredible courage in the face of medical challenges, fighting "hard" until his final days.
For Mink, who had grown accustomed to Jett's bravery and selflessness, it was a devastating blow. She described him as having "a big blue heart" that gave tirelessly to others, even after he retired from duty. If Jett were human, she said, he would receive honors and recognition for his service.
The news of Jett's passing has been met with an outpouring of support from the community, who are remembering the horse's remarkable spirit and dedication to helping others. Mink plans to hold a memorial service in line with Jett's law enforcement background, and is now considering cremation as a fitting tribute to her beloved partner.
The loss of Jett serves as a poignant reminder of the often-unsung heroism of animals like him who serve with dignity and distinction alongside their human counterparts.
The St. Paul community is mourning the loss of Jett, a former police horse who fought valiantly against illness for several weeks before succumbing to a bowel impaction that ultimately took his life on Christmas Day.
Jett, an appendix quarter horse estimated to be around 28 years old, had been battling a fever and struggling with minimal eating and drinking in the days leading up to his death. His owner, Jen Mink, who was partnered with him for about four years as a police officer, had established a GoFundMe page to cover veterinary expenses.
Despite the efforts of veterinarians, Jett's condition rapidly deteriorated, forcing an emergency euthanasia to end his suffering. According to Mink, the horse showed incredible courage in the face of medical challenges, fighting "hard" until his final days.
For Mink, who had grown accustomed to Jett's bravery and selflessness, it was a devastating blow. She described him as having "a big blue heart" that gave tirelessly to others, even after he retired from duty. If Jett were human, she said, he would receive honors and recognition for his service.
The news of Jett's passing has been met with an outpouring of support from the community, who are remembering the horse's remarkable spirit and dedication to helping others. Mink plans to hold a memorial service in line with Jett's law enforcement background, and is now considering cremation as a fitting tribute to her beloved partner.
The loss of Jett serves as a poignant reminder of the often-unsung heroism of animals like him who serve with dignity and distinction alongside their human counterparts.
Jett was one of those horses that you just can't help but love, you know? He's been through so much and still managed to keep fighting until the end. I'm glad his owner Jen is taking care of herself during this tough time 
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. It's a reminder that animals are just as capable of showing love and courage as humans are. I wish we could give him more recognition for all the good work he did during his time with the police department 
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. He may be gone, but his spirit lives on, and I'm sure he'll always be remembered as one of the bravest horses out there 
but you know what's even sadder? The lack of healthcare for our four-legged friends in this country 
We need to invest more in animal welfare and recognize the sacrifices these animals make for us every day 
If we can give honors and recognition to human veterans, why not our furry friends? 
Anyway, I do feel bad for her, she clearly loved Jett to bits 
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he was literally fighting 4 his life & didnt giv up even wen it seemed like all hope wuz lost 
. But anyway, it's super sad that he's gone, RIP buddy 
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he's literally the coolest horse ever, been through so much for his owner & the police department, what a hero 
if he were human he'd def be getting a medal or something 
or at least a really nice memorial to boot 
. Can't help but think about all the other animals who put others before themselves, they truly are unsung heroes 
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. If Jett were human, he'd definitely get some serious recognition for his service to others 
and still managed to inspire so many ppl. it's crazy how we don't get to see more of these stories & tribute them properly 
. It's amazing to think about all the people he touched as a police horse, not just those he helped but also his fellow officers who partner with him 
. Cremation is such a beautiful way to honor him, I hope Jen finds comfort in celebrating Jett's life & legacy 
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. Maybe a big ol' memorial garden or something would be way more meaningful than some smoke-filled urn