After careers as an office manager, DCS worker, therapist, restaurant employee and a stint in the Army, what do Colette Sides and daughter, Samantha Davis do next? Start Tiney Hiney Beverage Burros of course.

Tiney Hiney Beverage Burros specializes in unique event services, particularly weddings and corporate events, using miniature donkeys carrying beverages, treats and party favors. The donkeys are always dressed to impress.

The team consists of eight miniature donkeys and three miniature horses. The donkeys are miniature Mediterranean and the ponies are Sorrell, Paint and Palimino.

According to Mrs. Sides, “The donkeys are very smart and once they learn something they never forget. They get labeled stubborn but they are thinkers unlike horses. They will refuse to do something until they are sure it won’t hurt them.”

The donkeys can also deliver “Burro Grams” where the donkeys can be decorated with flowers, signage or other custom elements. They can even recite poems or sing for special occasions (with a little help from their owners).

Mrs. Sides and Ms. Davis create with the donkeys tailored, unforgettable and one-of-a-kind experiences.

How did this dynamic duo create this business? According to Mrs. Sides, “I was nearing retirement and needed extra income to feed the donkeys and while on a donkey vacation hatched the idea involving the donkeys. Hence was born the “beer burro” idea in April of 2024. It is more common out west as there are only a few east of the Mississippi.”

When on duty, the donkeys stay busy doing local parades, nativity scenes, fundraisers, burro grams, wedding cocktail hours and events like Cinco De Mayo. They are also show donkeys and attend donkey shows locally and as far as Oklahoma. When not on duty, the donkeys play, nap and bray for more food. In the future, Mrs Sides hopes to take the donkeys to area nursing homes.

At the events the donkeys attend, they stay busy mingling in the crowd, serving beverages or goodies from their baskets and getting many selfies with the guests. The reaction to the donkeys are total amazement especially when they see the shoes they are wearing. Mrs. Sides never imagined the donkeys would be such a big hit.

When asked the coolest events the donkeys have participated in, Mrs. Sides was quick with the answer. “We were in the Lake Oconne, Georgia Ritz Carlton ballroom, a Jason Aldean fundraiser last year and have been invited back again this year. We also went to the Opryland Hotel for a retirement party and Lady (one of the donkeys) got to ride the freight elevator to a conference room. The first animal to get to do that I believe.”

“I love how I can incorporate my passion for donkeys into a business that is fun. Who doesn’t like to go to weddings and other parties and have a good time? The smiles they bring to people’s faces when they see them is the best,” said Mrs. Sides.

Lane Curlee can be reached at lcurlee@lighttube.net or 5810360.