Donkeys

Donkeys, who are sometimes referred to as asses, are work animals. They are working animals that look like smaller versions of horses. Donkeys are usually stout in appearance and fortitude and have a reputation for being stubborn.

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Donkey Delivers Groceries in Super Steep Town

Written by tatiana on

Chalford resident Anna Usborne guides the village donkey Teddy, up a steep slope as they deliver groceries on October 11, 2008 in Chalford, England. Parts of Chalford, near Stroud in Gloucestershire, are so steep, residents cannot drive their cars up the narrow paths to the doors of their homes and have employed a donkey to help carry heavy bags 100 metres up the steep slopes. Historically, because of the difficulty in accessing the houses, donkeys were used in the Cotswold village as late as the 1930s to make deliveries, carrying bread, coal and many other household items to people's doorsteps. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images Europe)

With moss covered stonewalls, old-style brick homes and a quaint downtown, the small village of Chalford, England is truly picturesque.

At-a-glance Chalford may look like the perfect place to move, retire or start a family, but for the longest time this village was missing one crucial thing: A donkey.

Chalford is extremely steep, some residents can't even drive their cars to their homes. Before the 1930s, donkeys were kept to help these residents bring heavy bags of groceries and other household items such as coal to their doorsteps. But when the donkeys were long gone residents were forced to trek the extremely steep 100 or more meters, weighed down with heavy grocery bags, to their front doors.

Image Provided by Getty Images

In Feb. 2008 the Chalford Donkey Project was created to help fund the purchase of a new village donkey. After raising money, building facilities, learning about proper donkey handling and selecting the perfect donkey, the official Chalford donkey, named Teddy, made his maiden voyage on Sept. 27, 2008.

Village residents are reportedly pleased, and Teddy even seems to enjoy the work and attention he receives from the people of Chalford.

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Image Source Getty

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