For over 20 years, Gail Doxie has dedicated her life to running a horse therapy ranch in Florida that provides support for military veterans. This initiative is deeply personal for Gail and her husband, Keith, as it is rooted in the memory of their son, Miles Doxie, who tragically died just weeks before his 18th birthday in 2006 – shortly before he was set to embark on a military career in the Air Force.
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In the wake of their profound loss, the Doxies sought to turn their grief into a positive force for others. They founded the Miles of Smiles Foundation, which eventually led to the establishment of a 20-acre equine therapy ranch in North Fort Myers. This creation has provided a tranquil environment where veterans grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can find solace and healing.
Gail recalls the devastating moment when she learned of her son’s death: “I heard the words, ‘Your son isn’t coming home.’ I didn’t ever want another mother to hear that.” Motivated by this loss, they aimed to create a refuge for veterans, helping them navigate the difficult path of readjustment to civilian life.
Before his untimely passing, Miles found comfort in the company of his horse, Marshall, who had been with him since the age of 13. “We saw that the horse brought an amazing peace for him — he found great solace with the horse,” Gail explains. The ranch now extends that same support to veterans, allowing them to watch, ride, and engage in equine-assisted therapy sessions.
Gail is now a qualified mental health counsellor, having obtained both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in the field. She firmly believes in the potential impact of their work: “There were a lot of young veterans having difficulty. Miles loved America and wanted to serve – and so do these young men and women, and they deserve to have a life after that too.” This commitment comes at a time when the suicide rates among veterans remain alarmingly high, with approximately 6,400 veterans reported to have died by suicide in the most recent year for which data is available.
The Doxies formed their nonprofit organisation on what would have been Miles’ 19th birthday, July 1, 2007. Keith, who works as a middle school music teacher, serves as the president of the foundation, while Gail plays an active role in providing mental health support. She believes their ranch has directly contributed to saving lives, saying they have prevented at least 20 suicides since its inception.
Research has shown that equine therapy can significantly reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, particularly in individuals dealing with trauma. At the ranch, Gail employs horses as metaphors to help veterans understand their emotions and reactions. One intervention involved a Marine who had faced difficulties in civilian life after returning from service. Gail facilitated exercises with horses designed to illustrate responses to fear, thereby guiding the Marine to find safer ways of processing his emotions.
Throughout the years, Gail has worked with approximately 45 veterans, with many attending therapy sessions regularly for extended periods. The ranch provides over 700 hours of free therapy annually, which Gail funds through her work as a Realtor. In recognition of her philanthropic efforts, she received the “Good Neighbor” award from the National Association of Realtors in 2014.
As the ranch continues its mission, Gail remains acutely aware of the ongoing challenges faced by veterans. “We need more help for our veterans,” she states, reinforcing the urgency of their cause. Even though Miles’ beloved horse Marshall has passed away, the Doxies now care for five other horses, perpetuating the legacy of support and healing that they wish to extend to all those who visit the ranch.
“I think of Miles every time we’re there,” Gail reflects. “He would’ve been in heaven at the ranch.” The Doxies’ commitment to their son’s memory and to assisting others embodies a profound transformation of grief into a source of hope and healing for many veterans seeking a path towards recovery.