Rosie, the (Maybe) Oldest Living Donkey, Loves Her Guinness Beer

George Burns might have attributed his long life to martinis and cigars, but it's a diet of beer -- Guinness stout, twice daily -- that's helping Rosie the donkey become a record setter, reports the (U.K.) Mirror.

Rosie is estimated to be 54, although her exact age hasn't been confirmed, according to the (U.K.) Daily Mail. If that number is accurate, Rosie could be the world's oldest living donkey. The normal lifespan of a donkey is about 25 to 35 years. Rosie has been living at the Kenstud Pony Rescue in Derbyshire since 2004 when her elderly owner could no longer take care of her.

Lesley Manger, who runs Kenstud, told the Mirror that Rosie gets a third of a pint of Guinness twice a day, but not because it's tasty -- even though it is -- but for medicinal purposes. "It's a good thing if they have got poor quality blood. Pregnant women during the war and after the war were given stout to help them because it's good quality iron." The elderly donkey had become nearly anemic, but after her diet was changed and the beer was mixed into her food, she began to put on weight and get healthier.

Besides, as Manger tells the Mirror, "She's not a boozer. She doesn't drink and drive." Here at Paw Nation we don't recommend giving alcohol to animals or pregnant women, but we're thrilled that Rosie is doing so well. Cheers to her health!

Tags: beer drinking, BeerDrinking, donkey, guinness, oldest living donkey, OldestLivingDonkey, pony rescue, PonyRescue, world record, WorldRecord