Festus and Ruth the Mule

Festus lived in the town of Dodge City. He used Ruth as his transport about town, especially to the Long Branch Saloon where he liked to drink beer.

On episode "Killer at Large" Festus is falsely accused of murder and on the run from the law. At one point, he has to sell Ruth and his pistol for a fresh horse. Another time Festus and Doc Adams (Milburn Stone) were lost in the desert and for a short whole they contemplated eating Ruth the Mule to stay alive.