Amanda Bishop
NCR Editor & Publisher
A new local business serves up big cheer.
Mable, Pickles and Lola Moon are the donkeys of Burro Buddies LLC, trained by Callahan resident Terrie Bass, her husband, Josh, and daughter, Taylor.
“Burro Buddies was born out of my love for the joy donkeys bring to others,” Bass said. “It started when I would share videos and pictures of our donkeys doing funny and silly things with my coworkers, and they loved it.”
She’s a registered nurse in Jacksonville and her colleagues wanted to meet the donkeys in person, joking that she should bring them to the hospital.
“Obviously, that wasn’t possible, but it made me realize how much people enjoyed these simple moments of happiness that I had every day,” Bass said. “I wanted to create a way to bring that joy to more people.”
She steadily trains the donkeys and the idea developed for a beverage burro service.
“After researching, I discovered that beverage burros were popular out in the Southwest – places like Texas, Arizona and California – but not as much here in Florida,” Bass said. “There were a few companies in the southern part of the state, but nothing in our area, so I saw an opportunity. With advice from a helpful social media friend willing to share tips and tricks, Tampa Beer Burros, I decided to take the leap.”
The family added Mable to their herd when they only had two horses and one would get lonely while the other left for horse shows. They eventually added a mule to the mix and Mable has always had a preference to humans, following them around the family farm and enjoying scratches and cuddles. She is a small standard spotted jenny.
Pickles, a miniature Mediterranean gelding, entered the pasture a few months ago. He stands 31 inches tall at the shoulder while Mable is 42 inches. Lola Moon is a miniature spotted donkey who was born in May and will join the farm in September.
The two current members of Burro Buddies recently participated in vacation Bible school at Callahan Methodist Church and have mingled at a few events in Northeast Florida, including a recent market in Fernandina Beach. They will travel to St. Marys, Ga., on Saturday for Christmas in July at Orange Hall. Other upcoming events include the North Jax Community Market at New Berlin Church in Jacksonville on Sept. 13 and the Roots and Relics Fall Market in Homeland, Ga., on Nov. 1-2.
“We have also been spotted strolling the streets of Callahan as we do training, so keep an eye out for us around town,” Bass said.
The donkeys have custom-decorated pack saddles that they can carry drinks, treats or trinkets in. Guests can reach into the baskets and select their desired options.
“They can serve food and snacks,” Bass said. “Finger foods work especially well, and we’ve even created a custom tray that fits on the sawbuck saddle to serve small bites like a mobile charcuterie board. It’s a fun, interactive way to add personality and delight to your event.”
Burro Buddies add hoof-stomping fun to weddings, birthday parties, corporate outings, markets, open houses, and other events. The spring 2026 wedding calendar is quickly filling up.
“Weddings are especially popular, as our donkeys make the perfect distraction during cocktail hour or while the couple is off taking photos,” Bass said.
Guests often flock to the donkeys for photo opportunities and enjoy petting their soft fur.
“My goal with Burro Buddies is to share the joy, calm, and connection that donkeys bring by offering unforgettable experiences at weddings, events, and community gatherings. I also want to challenge the outdated ‘stubborn’ reputation donkeys have, I want to show people just how affectionate, intelligent, and gentle they truly are,” Bass said.
She grew up with horses. “They were always my place of calm and grounding, a safe space where I felt most like myself. As life moved forward and I moved away from home, horses became a memory. It took nearly 18 years, but I eventually found my way back to them.”
When Mable was added as a horse buddy, she quickly stole Bass’ heart.
“I fell in love with donkeys unique personalities, their affectionate nature, and their incredible intelligence,” she said. “What started as a necessity turned into a passion, and now, I can’t imagine my life without them.”
Visit burrobuddies.net to learn more about the business.