Barking royal mail
You're referring to the iconic Royal Mail postal dogs!
The Royal Mail has a long history of using dogs to help deliver mail, particularly in rural areas where roads were poor or non-existent. The first recorded use of postal dogs dates back to the 18th century, when they were used to carry mail between towns in Scotland.
The most famous of these postal dogs are the Alsatians, also known as German Shepherds, which were used from the 1940s to the 1980s. These dogs were trained to carry mailbags on their backs and would trot along the roads, often accompanied by their handlers.
The postal dogs were an essential part of the Royal Mail's operations, particularly during World War II, when many human postal workers were away fighting. The dogs were able to navigate difficult terrain and deliver mail to remote areas, often in harsh weather conditions.
Some notable postal dogs include:
- Rufus: A German Shepherd who delivered mail in the Scottish Highlands from 1942 to 1952.
- Judy: A Golden Retriever who delivered mail in the Lake District from 1955 to 1965.
- Ranger: A German Shepherd who delivered mail in the Peak District from 1965 to 1975.
Although the use of postal dogs has largely declined, they remain an important part of Royal Mail's history and heritage. Today, the Royal Mail has a special "Postal Dog" badge, which is awarded to dogs that have made significant contributions to the postal service.
So, the next time you receive a letter or package, remember the brave postal dogs who helped deliver it to your doorstep!