It was two years ago when Debra Smith of Heaven on Earth-Equine Rehab and Rescue in Medford adopted and rescued Duke Patton, a 27-year-old retired U.S. Army Caisson Platoon horse who served at Fort Myer, Virginia/Arlington National Cemetery.
The animal pulled cassions for funerals at Arlington National Cemetery and was a training horse for new soldiers who would be assigned to the platoon. A cassion is a two-wheel, horse-drawn cart or wagon that transports wounded or dead soldiers from the battlefield.
In retirement, “he’s living out his life watching the deer, trotting with his fox buddy and being in his herd with his three horse friends,” Smith said of Patton. “(He) came to us very arthritic and with two bad (leg) stifle (joints). He is losing strength to push up from the rear once he’s laying down during the night, and requires us to roll him over and then he can get up on his feet and his ‘good’ side.”
That happened on June 28, when the horse had a problem getting up after laying down.
“He was down for seven hours, which can be dangerous,” Smith noted.
A community effort ensued. Medford police were called.
“They came in 10 minutes and fire was just as quick,” Smith recalled of the township police and fire departments. “They were happy to help him.”
The rescuers needed to flip the retired horse, who weighs 1,500 pounds. Patton is now getting the medical care that he needs, including injections, sedation and thrice-weekly acupuncture.
The mission of Heaven on Earth – a 100% volunteer effort – is to rescue horses from neglect, abuse and kill pens. Most of the animals need some form of rehab, along with mental, emotional and physical healing. The next step is to re-house Patton in a qualified home or have him stay at the sanctuary.
Now the community is rallying behind Patton. Barb Russell, owner of Donnie Russell’s PIC III on Stokes Road, donated its famous wings to the fire and police departments after the rescue. Smith held a fundraising event on July 13, and she has also started a GoFundMe page to help with the animal’s medical bills.
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