There are many people to whom we and the pigs are indebted. Some donate blankets, which are always appreciated. Others, such as our vets, are always there in a time of need, no matter the hour. Still others give generously of their time, talents, and resources, and we'll never be able to thank them enough for all they do to benefit the pigs. At the risk of leaving someone out, I'd like to offer a special thank you to the following, who've done more to benefit the pigs than they can ever know. To them I offer my love and a big thank you!
Al and Ellen...who so generously give in so many ways. Their help has truly made a difference in the lives of our pigs. Due to their generosity in helping with the feed needs, sNygyl was able to have the lifesaving surgery he needed for a urinary blockage. The glow in the Eastern sky is because they spent several days removing old nonworking lights, then rewiring and installing new T-8 lights in the barn. The lights are awesome and make chores and treating pigs so much easier. (Also a huge thank you to Debbie and Russ for the gift of the lights!) The loads of blankets Al anad El bring keep the pigs cozy all winter, and their gift of a small insulated barn will mean there's room for yet another needy pig or two. We can never thank these two enough for all they do, and hope they know how much they're loved and appreciated, by all! Urei especially appreciates their visits and mugs Ellen for her seemingly endless supply of yogurt drops and cashews. He's shameless and she's too generous! And the babies think they've found the perfect friend...one with a full pocket of treats, a willing lap, and boundless love! What more could the pigs ask for?
Sadly. Allan and Ellen passed suddenly in 2015. They are very sadly missed. I am grateful to have one of their pigs, Lucky, here at the sanctuary.
Gretchen...who has had a huge impact on the lives of many pigs, including a group that arrived in an emergency situation at our house on February 11, 2007. (See Jack and Jill's story) I had no space and she quickly took the five, who included very sick Jack and Jill, two females and a boar. One girl was "probably pregnant, and due mid to late March". Turns out she was full term, and Gretchen's happy home went from her own six house pigs on the February tenth, to eleven on February eleventh, then jumped rapidly to seventeen on February 13 with the delivery of six unexpected babies! Between doctoring Jack and Jill, she cared for the new family in her house alongside her own family of pigs. Gretchen's patience, loving care, and nursing skills saved this sad family of inbred potbellies. Now healthy, almost all have been adopted thru Hog Heaven Rescue Farm. Two of the babies were adopted by Al and Ellen...another difference they make in the lives of needy pigs. Many of Gretchen's own pigs are rescues and she generously shares her knowledge, time and talents with anyone who needs help or advice. She works closely with Hog Heaven and her vet and often fosters pigs in need and special needs pigs.
Betsy, our neighbor, who has been a lifesaver if we're away, helped Don give a memorable bath to unhappy Mitchell, and so very generously gave us a two horse trailer which has been used for many rescue "missions" and emergency trips to the vet clinic. She's mowed our pastures and helps put the hay in. She feeds for us if we're away and keeps an eye on things as she goes by. We're fortunate to have Betsy and Ron as friends and neighbors and wish everyone could know the joy of having great neighbors like them. When they rebuilt their deck, they very generously gave us all of the used pressure treated lumber, which has been a godsend when building new pig houses and a loading ramp for the pigs. Thanks is never enough for all our friends do to help us!
Ron and Betsy have relocated to balmy Florida and are very missed.
Many thanks to our veterinarians from the Perry and Yorkshire Vet clinics, especially (alphabetically) Dr's Dave, Paul and Ted, without whom I'd be lost. They're always only a phone call away, no matter the time, and have never failed to be helpful, kind and understanding, even when I'm stressed and feeling hopeless. Though these three are my "main guys", all of the other vets at the three "sister" clinics are every bit as great, as are the girls in the offices, who field countless phone calls and questions. The thoughtfulness, professionalism, compassion and understanding of the many people at the Yorkshire, Perry and Livonia Veterinary clinics means more to myself and the pigs than they can ever know.
Thank you, too, to Sarah and Alan for their very generous donation in memory of their beloved little pig, Charlotte. It will make a huge difference in the lives of the pigs!
Thank you to Frank for his contribution of used T-posts and assorted items. All are appreciated!
There are many others who leave blankets on the porch or so generously send a check in the mail. Every donation is greatly appreciated and put to good use to benefit the pigs. It may be a box of apples, squash or several pumpkins, a bag of sheets and blankets, a used kennel or crate, or a bag of feed...each and every gift for the pigs is recieved with gratitude and used to benefit the pigs. Nothing goes to waste.
Love and thanks to my husband, Don, who never saw this coming when we first married. Neither did I, but I wouldn't change a thing. If asked, though, he might. A few years ago I laughed and asked him if he'd ever imagined that he'd be reading the Sunday paper with a pig on his lap rather than a dog at his feet. Many times Brad jumped up and surprised Don as he read the paper. He never saw him coming (a carpeted floor muffles the piggy footsteps and the newspaper blocked view of the launch preparations as Brad became "Bradford the Flying Pig". The result was always a loud "ouch". There's no way a 50 - 70 pound pig can gently land in an unsuspecting lap! Thanks to Don for his love and support, and his help in maintaining these many faces who are definitely not part of his dream!
There are so many more to whom I'm indebted. Without the support of so many, it would be almost impossible to continue. Thanks again to all!!!
