In what has been called a “heartbreaking” loss, Jett, the former St. Paul police horse, has died.

“In true police form, he fought hard his last few weeks with us. He beat every medical challenge that came his way. His passing was unexpected, and heartbreaking to watch,” wrote Jen Mink on a GoFundMe page set up to help with veterinary bills.

She said an emergency veterinarian euthanized Jett on Christmas Day after he was unable to get on his feet, even with assistance.

Mink was partnered with Jett for about four years when she was a St. Paul police officer, and she owned and cared for him after he retired from duty in 2018. The police department opted to disband its mounted unit in 2019.

“If Jett was a person, he would be receiving a funeral or service with honors. I know it probably sounds silly, but to me, he would have given his life to help others,” Mink wrote. “He lived an honorable life. He was in the small percentage of horses that are courageous and brave. I wish he knew how important he was. Even after retirement, he still served and helped others. He had a big blue heart. And now he is gone, like he and his life weren’t a big deal.”

In mid-December, Jett, an appendix quarter horse, was battling a fever and had been eating and drinking minimally. As veterinarians sought a diagnosis amid evidence of a bowel impaction, Mink created the GoFundMe and asked for the public’s help with expenses.

She said that with the money raised, she knows that everything possible was done to prolong Jett’s life as long as possible.

“My heart hurts so bad right now … but I have moments of comfort, knowing there was nothing left for me or the vet to do. There are no ‘what-if’s’ or ‘if only’s.’ I have all of you to thank for that,” she wrote.

Jett was estimated to be in his late 20s, which is old for a horse.

Mink, who left policing in 2021, now teaches basic horsemanship skills to children through adults with three other retired St. Paul police horses, including Moose, her partner after Jett.

She said she is now turning to having Jett cremated and planning a memorial service consistent with his law enforcement service.

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