Not too long ago, motorists making their way through Denton on Interstate 35E near the University of North Texas campus were treated to the familiar sight of two friendly donkeys, Buster Brown and Ozella.

Buster Brown died in December. Concern for the fate of his companion led the American Pet Spa & Resort in Argyle to adopt Ozella and add her to its population of animals.

DRC/Gary Payne

American Pet Spa and Resort general manager Bobby Bollas reaches out to Ozella, a donkey once belonging to Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home. The donkey now lives at the animal boarding house in Argyle after her companion, a donkey named Buster Brown, died in December.

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For 10 years, the donkeys lived on the campus of Denton’s Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home. The duo lured many drivers to stop to look at them and feed them, said Carolina Lara, director of advancement for the children’s home.

“They were a fixture along 35,” she said.

Buster Brown’s passing was a shock to everyone, Lara said.

“We had to direct our attention to what was going to happen to Ozella. Donkeys are social animals and she lost her companion, so we were concerned with her being alone,” she said.

After considering options for a good home for Ozella where the children at the home could still visit her, Lara decided on the pet spa.

She got a look at the spa during a Christmas party held there.

“It’s a fantastic place. It’s like an animal sanctuary and boarding facility,” Lara said.

She called the spa, which sent a crew to pick up Ozella.

“When we got the call that the other donkey had passed away and the kids didn’t want Ozella to be alone, that was a remarkable thing to me,” said Bob Williams, owner of the pet spa.

Ozella has settled in well with the other animals, which include sheep, goats and miniature horses, Williams said. When she was first placed with the other animals, Ozella promptly gave a sheep a smooch, he said.

“She is doing terrific. We’re glad to have her,” Williams said.

BJ LEWIS can be reached at 940-566-6875. His e-mail address is blewis@dentonrc.com .