Joy for Norwich's loneliest donkey as Gary finally finds his forever friend |
Tragedy struck in Buttercup Meadow earlier this year when Norman died unexpectedly, leaving Gary - his partner of 16 years - all alone.
Mark Clifford, the owner of Gary and Derek, pictured here with the donkeys (Image: Newsquest)
It seemed Gary's single days would be short lived as owner Mark Clifford awaited the arrival of Poppy - another donkey who needed rehoming from Lancashire.
But shortly before leaving for Norfolk, her owners changed their minds and Gary was forced to continue his quest for a mate.
Introducing Derek Trotter (Image: Newsquest)
Now, in a joyous twist, he has been joined by Derek Trotter, who travelled 100 miles from Bedfordshire last week.
Mr Clifford said he had received a phone call informing him of a donkey needing a home on Wednesday, April 1 and two days later - Good Friday - the pair were introduced.
Derek, a two-year-old donkey, was the brother of three who had been rescued from a traveller site by the Donkey Breed Society.
Derek seems to have settled in well in his new home (Image: Newsquest)
Mr Clifford said: "The other two brothers were kept together. It all happened within a very short time.
"I'm just over the moon and I'm so pleased for Gary because he was not in a good way."
It seems it did not take long for Gary to accept his new friend and by the end of their first day together, the two were seen happily sharing their dinner.
Derek and Gary sharing their dinner (Image: Mark Clifford)
Mr Clifford added: "People toot their horns as they drive by, some have already stopped to see him."
Following Norman's death, the community rallied behind Mr Clifford by raising more than £1,330 for him to look after Gary's new friend.
Mr Clifford added: "I will be closing the Go Fund Me when my daughter gets back next week on Saturday and I will be taking screenshots of everything I spend on him and sharing it on the group so the community knows where their money is going.
"I'm so pleased with how it's all worked out."