On August 23, 2018, a solemn tribute unfolded at the Detroit Memorial West Cemetery as Doc, a Tennessee Walker horse, walked with an empty saddle symbolizing a missing rider.
Doc’s long-time partner, Sgt. Lee Eric Smith of the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Division, was being laid to rest after years of service. The bond between these two extended beyond duty, as Doc had been by Smith’s side for 11 years.
When Doc passed away on September 10, 2021, at age 26, there was no designated cemetery for him. However, that’s about to change.
Thanks to the efforts of Sgt. Lacey Polderdyke, service horses like Doc will now have a resting place at the Michigan War Dog Memorial in Lyon Township.
Polderdyke, horrified by the idea of a simple burial for service horses, approached the cemetery’s president, Phil Weitlauf, to propose interring the horses alongside the heroic military and service dogs already honored at the site.
The Michigan War Dog Memorial, originally dedicated to service dogs, will begin accepting service horses later this year. The cemetery, a two-acre site restored by volunteers, has become a prestigious resting place for military and police canines, offering elaborate memorial services and uniform headstones.
The addition of service horses to the memorial, including Doc and other horses like Touch Up and Denver from Wayne County, marks a new chapter in honoring these loyal animals.
As preparations for the interments get underway, the memorial plans to install a wall displaying photo-etched pictures of the horses in action.
A new columbarium will also be built specifically for the horses, ensuring their remains are honored with the same dignity and respect as the dogs that have come before them.
For those who worked closely with these animals, this is more than a simple gesture—it’s a way to recognize their invaluable contributions. Simone Smith, Sgt. Smith’s widow, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lay Doc to rest, noting the deep bond between her husband and the horse.
Other officers, like Wayne County Sheriff’s Deputy Dave Ethridge, share this sentiment, emphasizing the emotional connection they formed with their mounts.
Touch Up, a beloved horse in the Wayne County Mounted Unit, was more than just a working animal. Described as the “boss mare,” she led other horses through challenging situations with courage and grace.
When she passed away, it left a void in the hearts of those who worked with her, especially Ethridge, who plans to attend her ceremonial burial at the memorial.
For Weitlauf and the Michigan War Dog Memorial, this new initiative serves as a powerful reminder of the dedication and sacrifice that animals in service provide.
Whether they are military dogs or mounted horses, their contributions deserve to be commemorated with honor and respect.
Those interested in attending a service or donating to support the memorial’s efforts can find more information on the Michigan War Dog Memorial’s website. The interment of these noble service animals ensures their legacies will live on, celebrated for the loyalty and service they gave during their lifetimes.
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Conclusion
The Michigan War Dog Memorial’s decision to inter service horses marks a profound step in recognizing the vital role these animals play in public service.
With the upcoming inclusion of horses like Doc, Touch Up, and Denver, the memorial will extend its tribute beyond service dogs, honoring these noble creatures who served alongside law enforcement officers with loyalty and courage.
As a final resting place, the memorial ensures that their legacies will be remembered with the same dignity afforded to their canine counterparts. The heartfelt dedication shown by those who worked with these animals highlights just how deeply they are valued, not only as working partners but also as family members.
FAQ’s
What is the Michigan War Dog Memorial?
- The Michigan War Dog Memorial is a cemetery in Lyon Township dedicated to honoring military, police, and other service dogs through formal memorial services and burial. It was restored by volunteers and now serves as a prestigious final resting place for these animals.
Why are service horses being interred at the Michigan War Dog Memorial?
- Due to the lack of dedicated burial spaces for service horses, Sgt. Lacey Polderdyke advocated for their inclusion at the memorial. After discussions with the memorial’s president, the cemetery agreed to honor service horses in the same way they honor military and police dogs.
Which horses will be buried at the memorial?
- Several service horses will be interred, including Doc, who served with Sgt. Lee Eric Smith, and other horses like Touch Up and Denver from the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Division.
When will the interments of service horses begin?
- The Michigan War Dog Memorial plans to start interring service horses in late fall of this year. Preparations are currently underway to accommodate the first burials.
What special tributes will be made for the service horses?
- A memorial wall will be installed, featuring photo-etched pictures of the service horses in action. Additionally, a columbarium will be built to house their ashes, ensuring they are honored alongside the dogs already laid to rest.
How can the public participate or support the memorial?
- People interested in attending the ceremonial burials or supporting the Michigan War Dog Memorial can visit their website or follow their Facebook page for updates. The memorial accepts donations to fund the burial services and memorial installations for both dogs and horses.
