We received the following letter from Chief Gene Survillo and wish to share part of it with our readers:
We offer you an update on “Jacob” (BPR Mount #598) and his rehabilitation. For Park Ranger trivia buffs, “Jake” was originally sponsored in 1998 by Mr. Kevin Fitzgerald, the owner and operator of Jacob Wirth’s Restaurant!
In late July Jake was diagnosed with a serious and debilitating hoof disease referred to as “canker.” His treatment began immediately at Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine under the care of Dr. Thomas Jenei and their incredible staff. His care then continued with extensive rehabilitation at the Ross Haven Farm in Sturbridge under the direction of Dr. Carl Kirkerhead.
Despite daily treatments and a level of care by Dr. Kirkerhead and his staff (care that can only be described as amazing and inspirational), his condition worsened in September. Another intensive procedure was performed at Tufts and he returned to Ross Haven in October for further rehabilitation. The prognosis held serious concern but, nonetheless, cautious optimism. We are now thrilled to report that Jake has finally (and somewhat miraculously!) been cleared to return home and is now back in the comfort of his stall at our barn.
Jake’s history as one of the Boston Park Rangers Mounted Unit’s great horses is legendary. We share this update if for no other reason than to add to his storied past as well as to magnify his incredible character, personality, and trustworthiness as a Park Ranger mount and his service to The City of Boston. Anyone who has experienced his gentle yet bold behavior understands that Jake possesses traits that you simply cannot train into a horse. In his retirement, it’s these very character traits that have contributed to his being a favorite among those dedicated and committed to his care and recovery.
We now face the challenge of finding the appropriate retirement setting for Jake. It will take a special environment along with special caretakers for this very, very special partner. We are confident we will find that home and in the meantime, Jake will continue his recovery here at our Mounted Operations in Franklin Park among his old friends and partners – both equine and human!
Anyone wishing to donate to the Friends of the Boston Park Rangers Mounted Unit on Jacob’s behalf may do so at https://friendsofthebprmountedunit.org/donate/
