LIFE IN THE SLOW LANES OF IRELAND: Salt and Pepper lived in the rolling green hills of County Kerry. They nestled between stone walls and misty meadows. These two donkeys were inseparable and had been together since birth.

Salt is a silvery-grey jenny (female donkey), calm and thoughtful. Pepper, darker and full of mischief, was her brother and constant shadow.

They were born on a small farm just outside the village of Glenbrae, where old Mrs. Kearney raised them like her own children.

In the mornings, she often talked to them while sipping her tea. She entertained them with stories. Sometimes, she scolded Pepper for sneaking into the kitchen.

RIGHT: Salt and Pepper

But when Mrs. Kearney passed away, the farm was sold, and Salt and Pepper were nearly separated.

The villagers knew how close the pair were. They understood how much the pair meant to the old woman. So, they came together to save them.

Thanks to donations and the help of a local animal rescue, a community trust adopted the donkeys. They were given a permanent home in the village’s community field.

Rain or Shine, They’re Always Watching

Every morning, without fail, Salt and Pepper would stand by the mossy hedge that lined the road. They watched the world go by. They became local celebrities. Children brought apples, tourists snapped photos, and the postman always gave them a pat on the nose.

One particularly rainy Tuesday, a photo of the two donkeys peering over the hedge, soaked but still curious, went viral.

People from around the world fell in love with them. Letters arrived addressed to ‘Salt & Pepper, The Donkeys, Ireland.’ Some sent scarves. One fan even mailed them a small waterproof donkey coat (Pepper hated it).

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Legends in Their Own Time

Now, Salt and Pepper are more than just village mascots; they’re part of Glenbrae’s soul.

When the village hosts its annual music festival, Salt and Pepper lead the children’s parade wearing flower garlands. When someone’s having a hard time, locals say, ‘Go talk to the donkeys, they listen better than most.’

Salt is still the calm one, always nudging little hands gently. And Pepper? He still tries to open the gate with his teeth.

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