Operation Homecoming - Making Smiles for a Better Future

Duke, Jake, & Sammy are the OG Mascots that were part of the OT charity organization in Montana. They are now living happily in Franklin Tennessee while OT's new headquarters in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains is being retrofitted to house them safely. The goal is to have Stables built in 2024 and a Barn built Spring 2025. Proper fencing and gates installed so Duke, Jake and Sammy can happily call OT's Headquarters in Heritage Holler home come this Fall. These amazing lil'Amigos are highly trained and service animal certified to enter schools, hospitals, and be part of public events. We look forward to having them here at the farm, but to make this a reality here at Heritage Holler we need all hands on deck to help with volunteering, donating, and sponsoring this massive undertaking. This is a multi phase process to bring these amazing therapy animals home to Operation Therapy's Headquarters here in East Tennessee. Scroll below to get the full story of Sam, Duke, and Jake, and Timeline/Budget. We appreciate you taking the time to reach out and help be part of this amazing journey. 

We would like to introduce Duke aka The Boss, he was born in 2018. Duke is the biggest and the strongest of the three lil'Amigos. Jake is his half-brother; both have the same father. He is trained to pull a cart; we look forward to joining local gatherings and parades with him. He is excellent with kids and loves to be out socializing in public at local venues, fairs, schools, libraries and VA facilities making people smile. We look forward to his arrival this Fall here at the farm in East Tennessee. 

We would also, like to introduce Jake aka Mr. Smarty Pants, he was born in 2018 as well. Jake's training is more specialized and makes him a great companion for Veterans with PTSD and hyperactive children. He stays calm around loud noises and distractions. Jake has the most experience in elder care homes, public facilities, and even living inside a house. He is affectionate, knows how to give kisses and even take a bow. Jake is gentle, careful and does well in tight spaces, such as hospital rooms. We look forward to his arrival this Fall at the Farm as well. 

Last but not least, meet Sammy aka Mr. Affection, born in 2019. He is the kindest of the three horses with a heart of gold. Sammy had a difficult first few years with two serious medical conditions, but that didn't stop him from being soft hearted and amazing. He tends to be extra gentle with kids and seeks them out in groups. Sammy works extra hard to please his human friends. We look forward to Sammy’s arrival with his two amazing friends Duke and Jake at Operation Therapy’s headquarters back in Heritage Holler.

Clearing/Excavating areas for two Stables, location in the main field and secondary field. Sitework and materials for power and water. Add retainage along hillsides and proper water drainage. Backfill areas after sitework is complete. Apply grass seed and straw to new excavated dirt areas. 

3 weeks

Cost: $20,000 

Once site areas are complete, install stables. Add rain catchment systems. 

2 weeks

Cost: $10,500

Install proper fencing and gates for animal security and safety.

3 weeks

Cost: $15,000

Final stable/site preparation for the arrival of Jake, Duke, and Sammy. Work with the caretaker in Franklin Tennessee for transport. Bring the lil'Amigos to OT's Headquarters here in Heritage Holler. Arrival Date: Fall 2024

1 week

Cost: $2500

We were donated 2 vintage barns that need to be dismantled, inventoried and moved to OT's headquarters at Heritage Holler. Where the material will be measured/cut and stored for repurposing. The goal is to minimize the cost in building materials, while keeping the barn and other out buildings here at Heritage Holler original and vintage as if it were built late 1800's/early 1900's.  With this material we hope to build a full size barn.