Smoke, donkey mascot for US Marines in Iraq, has died in Nebraska. Smoke became lethargic and died this week after frolicking with miniature horses at Miracle Hills Ranch and Stable north of Omaha.
Smoke had served as an equine therapy animal to help veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, Reuters reported.
Smoke’s Facebook page has friends from around the world.
Regulations prohibited keeping the donkey, but Marine Colonel John Folsom of Omaha, then commander at the camp, found a Navy psychologist to designate Smoke as a therapy animal because he reduced stress among Marines.
Smoke was taken in by US Marines after he showed up malnourished and wounded at Camp Taqaddum in Anbar province in 2008.
US Army troops who relieved Marines at the camp turned the donkey over to a local sheikh.
“He was a great little donkey,” Folsom said.
Dear TNT Reader,
At The News Tribe, our mission is to bring you free, independent, and unbiased news and content that keeps you informed and empowered. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism, as we understand that we are a platform for truth.
Apart from independent global news coverage, we also commit our unique focus on the Muslim world. In an age marked by the troubling rise of Islamophobia and widespread misrepresentation of Muslims in Western media, we strive to provide accurate and fair coverage.
But to continue doing so, we need your support. Even a small donation of 1$ can make a big difference. Your contribution will help us maintain the quality of our news and counteract the negative narratives that are so prevalent.
Please consider donating today to ensure we can keep delivering the news that matters. Together, we can make a positive impact on the world, and work towards a more inclusive, informed global society.
Donate Monthly Subscription Annual Subscription