Worcestershire pair find a new loving home

Teddy and Charles were part of a group of donkeys living in squalid conditions at a site near Tenbury Wells.

The donkeys were rescued in 2022 following a collaborative effort by The Donkey Sanctuary, RSPCA, World Horse Welfare and West Mercia Police.

They had lice-infested coats and overgrown hooves, while the area of land they lived on also contained several hazards.

Recalling the rescue, our Senior Donkey Welfare Adviser Georgia McCormick says: “The environment was wholly unsuitable for the number of animals on the land.

“The majority of the donkeys’ shelter was filled with junk and hazards, and was accessed through a small, low hole in the side, which was dark and uninviting.

“The donkeys did not have any clean, dry forage to eat and what forage there was trampled into wet mud. The donkeys were allowed to breed, which added to the numbers.

“This resulted in increased competition for what resources there were on the small site.”

Following their rescue, Teddy and Charles spent time at a holding base to recover from their ordeal.

It was during this time that their true personalities started to shine, and they were soon considered for our Rehoming scheme.

Donkey Welfare Adviser Mark Kerr identified the pair as a prospective match for couple Chris and Iain, who wanted to offer their home to two donkeys.

A new home

The pair had moved to the south of England from London and were seeking two long-eared companions to care for.

A meeting was pencilled in and when the four first encountered one another, it was love at first sight!

Chris, a small animal vet of more than 20 years, says: “As soon as Teddy and Charles walked towards us wanting attention, it felt like they were choosing us as much as we were there to choose them.

“We had seen a couple of pictures of Teddy and Charles beforehand, but obviously you can’t gauge how they would have been around us. But there was no hesitation – they walked straight up to the fence and were really interested.

“For both of us, we instantly felt this was a good match. We hoped to have sociable, playful and interested donkeys, and they ticked all of those boxes.”

Teddy and Charles made the move to their new home in September 2023 and are now thriving under Chris and Iain’s care.

Chris has also praised Donkey Welfare Adviser Mark Kerr, who supported the donkeys’ move and ensured their transition has gone smoothly.

“Mark came out early and was useful in helping us design a suitable home for them,” Chris says.

“He also put us in touch with a local lady who has two donkeys from The Donkey Sanctuary. She is only three miles down the road, so before we welcomed Charles and Teddy, we got loads of tips and visited her donkeys a few times.

“Now, we can’t imagine life without Charles and Teddy. They have added a really nice structure to our day, from getting up in the morning and being greeted by them to topping up their straw in the evening.

“They have made the house feel like much more of a home.”

Mark adds: “It is always so heartwarming when donkeys who have come from a troubling background find their feet in a loving and caring Guardian home.

“Chris and Iain have provided a fantastic environment for the boys and Teddy and Charles’ personalities are shining through.

“With Chris and Iain, I can foresee many happy years ahead for Teddy and Charles, filled with enrichment, high-quality care and plenty of attention.”