OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A donkey who became a friend to some U.S. Marines in Iraq has died at his new home near Omaha.

Smoke died late Tuesday or early Wednesday at the Miracle Hills Ranch and Stable.

Ranch owner Brenda Sheets says Smoke looked fine Tuesday morning, but was lethargic by the afternoon.

Smoke became a friend to the Marines in Iraq three years ago. Col. John Folsom was among those who took care of him until 2009, when the Marines left the area.

Folsom, now retired, was the driving force behind the operation to bring Smoke to the U.S. in May 2011. He says Smoke was a “battle buddy.”

In Nebraska, Smoke became a therapy animal to help military personnel recover from post-traumatic stress disorder.