A tearfully joyous story of pig rescue at FS

[Guest guest]

Pigs Invade and Take Over Our California Shelter! Maya and Rosa caused quite a stir one recent morning when a live-in caregiver discovered the pair of approximately 300-pound pigs nonchalantly and contentedly rooting in the dirt near our California Shelter’s front entrance. At first, we were worried that there had been a mischievous pig barn break overnight, but it soon became clear that all our sleepy residents were still in bed and that these youngsters were new to our soil. Though we are left to guess how Maya and Rosa ended up on our doorstep, it is obvious from the identification notches that had been brutally cut out of their ears, their docked tails and breed—typical of those bred for pork—that the pigs, both un-spayed females previously bred, had been born into a life of production.

Likely raised to produce piglets for slaughter, the girls were lucky to find their way into loving arms. Led to our shelter hospital by staff promising treats, the girls only stopped briefly here and there to forage for other edibles or contemplate the strange, yet delightful new scenery on their way to the thick straw beds and wallowing holes that awaited them further up the hill. Once at their destination, Maya and Rosa settled right in, taking keen interest in all the luxuries life had unexpectedly set before them. From their grins and the agreeable grunts they made, they seemed to know they had reached hog heaven. Maya and Rosa were later examined by caregivers who found Rosa to be thin. Maya was in better condition, but definitely in great need of TLC from caregivers and our local veterinarian, who treated

both pigs and soon gave them a clear bill of health. The girls have also since been spayed and have recovered well from their surgeries. From the start, Maya and Rosa were affectionate, falling over at the slightest touch of a hand to their bellies and good-naturedly standing by as their caregivers examine them during routine health checks. Also extremely playful, the girls, especially Maya, love to play with rocks, collecting them and dropping them in their water bowl, as well as engage all the diverse animal neighbors they’ve had during their stay in our hospital. “These girls are the happiest pigs I’ve ever seen. They are always cheerful, they love attention and being touched and petted,” said Kerrie Wooten, one of the pigs’ caregivers. “It is truly rewarding to see that their past experiences—whatever they

might have been—have not stayed with them and they trust us completely.” Maya and Rosa have not only moved into our California Shelter, but also our hearts, as if there was nothing more natural in the world left for them to do. Expected to head to our main pig barn soon, they will start meeting and integrating with more than a dozen new porcine friends, doubtless widening their circle of adoring fans in no time at all. A pig, however, can never have too many friends, and that’s where you come in! As Maya and Rosa continue to thrive in their new life, they will still need caring people like you to help ensure their continued happiness. To sponsor one or both of these incredible, exuberant pigs through Farm Sanctuary's Adopt-A-Farm Animal Project, please call 607-583-2225 ext. 225 or e-mail sponsorship today. http://pets.Fortheanimals7/join