Liberty County lost one of its most recognizable four-legged residents with the passing of Oliver the Watusi, the beloved pet of Vincent Browning and Michelle Lumpkin of Raywood. He was 22.
For nearly two decades, Oliver was a familiar sight at parades, rodeos and festivals across Liberty County and beyond. With an impressive 119-inch horn spread and an unusually calm temperament, he was a crowd favorite at the Trinity Valley Exposition Rodeo Parade, Dayton Ole Tyme Days, the Mayhaw Festival, Liberty Jubilee and other community gatherings. Over the years, countless local children stopped to have their pictures taken with Oliver, making him part of many family photo albums and memories.
Browning raised Oliver from a calf. He was the offspring of Browning’s first Watusi, Oscar, and a cow named Orange Girl. Oscar was Browning’s introduction to the breed, though he proved too wild to tame. Orange Girl came later, purchased by chance at a cattle auction. Their pairing produced Oliver, who showed early on the calm disposition that would eventually make him such a favorite.
Browning recalls that Oliver made his first appearance in the TVE Rodeo Parade around 2007 or 2008 and participated nearly every year until about two years ago, when age began to slow him down. An injury to one of his horns also led to his retirement from most public appearances.
Sometimes Oliver was joined at events by Tyson, the family’s Longhorn, although Tyson’s more spirited personality made him a little more challenging to handle.
Oliver’s fame eventually reached well beyond Liberty County. A video of Browning and Lumpkin taking him inside a Petco store went viral, introducing people far beyond Southeast Texas to the enormous-horned Watusi who could calmly stroll through a pet store. His growing following eventually led to Oliver being named the official mascot of the Texas Motorplex in Ennis.
Around Liberty County, though, Oliver did not need an official title. He was just Oliver. People expected to see those unmistakable horns coming down the street during a parade or towering above the crowd at a festival. For Browning and Lumpkin, he was something more still — a beloved pet they raised, cared for and generously shared with the community for more than two decades. He will be missed.