Lonely donkey to meet potential companions after goat best friend dies

Harold the donkey needs a new companion after his friend - Billy the goat - died

Owners of a "lonely" donkey have been inundated with offers following an appeal to find him a new friend in time for Valentine's Day.

Dot and Carl Smith said they wanted to find a new companion for Harold the donkey after his best friend, a goat called Billy, died at Christmas.

They are now meeting three new goats to see if they could be a perfect match.

Mrs Smith said she could not believe the reaction to the appeal, which started with a postcard in a farm shop.

Harold will meet two potential suiters - a pair of pygmy goats from Cambridgeshire - on Saturday.

The couple, from Bitteswell, Leicestershire, are also set to meet a nanny goat on the same day, who could also join the family.

Harold has had a number of goat friends in the past, including Billy and Maisie

Speaking of the pygmy goats, Mrs Smith said: "I think they're about 12 years old, but that's fine for us. They'll probably last another five years, so they're an ideal age."

The arrival of the nanny goat is not yet confirmed until the couple have a chat to his owner.

Mrs Smith added: "If she says yes, we'll have the three, we've got the room for it! Harold won't know what's hit him.

"Hopefully, it goes to plan. I've not mentioned it to Harold because I don't want to disappoint him."

Carl Smith said Harold would be a "very happy donkey" if he was found a new friend

Harold and Billy were said to be "never be more than three or four yards away from each other" before Billy had to be put down due to old age.

His loss left Harold feeling "lost" and "lonely" and he still paid regular visits to the shed where his best friend once lived.

Mrs Smith added: "[Harold] is a big boy, but he's a sweet boy."