Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/abandoned-piglet/

People are used to the fact that pigs are only essential for livelihood and nurtured for meat. It’s their primary purpose, as if their destiny is already written in the stars. Since humans are too focused on that objective, many tend to forget that pigs can be just like dogs and cats. They are also smart, playful, and have a sunshine personality that could easily win someone’s heart. For this reason, some families adopt the farm animal into their homes — which has been one of the best decisions in their life. Pigs aren’t only adorable because they could also be trained to live indoors and be great family pets.

Spending time with the farm animal can make you realize many things. Ryan from Uncle Neil’s Home had such realizations, which gave her a lot of information about pigs. Her journey started when a wildlife conservation center from New Jersey called her friend about an abandoned piglet in the woods. The piglet was all alone wandering the forest, which was unusual because pigs are often found with their litter. No one was searching for her — there was no sign of the mother and the piglet’s siblings. Since nobody was looking or claiming her, Ryan adopted the piglet. She became a family member in August hence the beautiful name Augustina.

“When we first brought her home, she seemed okay. Then once I started examining her a little bit closely, I started finding ticks all over her. I stopped counting at around 150.” Ryan shared. “And then, over the next few days, she woke up one morning, and she was spinning in circles. So she was only turning to her left side.” It was indeed troubling, so they had to bring her to the hospital, which was in Cornell. They traveled for five hours to determine Augustina’s condition. Apparently, it was a side effect of an infection she was fighting — the piglet had to be hospitalized for a week.

After that, Augustina grew into a lovable piglet, and according to Ryan, she was smart and intelligent. She really felt at home — running the house and having some fun outdoors. Augustina had already gotten used to a routine, and it was nice to see how she was living the best life. The piglet was well-loved by the family and, surprisingly, even by the family dog, who was the inspiration for the sanctuary. Uncle Neil’s first encounter with Augustina was when she was in quarantine after being hospitalized. Ryan mentioned that they had to separate them because Uncle Neil doesn’t get along with other animals. Interestingly, Augustina’s charm worked and won the dog’s heart.

“They became best friends. They have matching lamb stuffed animals, which they play with and chew on together, and they cuddle together.” Ryan said. “Augustina was really the reason that Neil was able to finally come around and accept non-human animals into his life.” Besides Uncle Neil, Augustina also brought happiness to Penny, a cat rescued by the sanctuary. Feline and pig became inseparable friends — Neil even joined their small group and became playmates. Everyone at home loved Augustina, especially Ryan, who lovingly shared the piglet’s daily routine.

Although she’s a farm animal, the piglet grew accustomed to living indoors and likes everything warm and cozy. Whenever Ryan watches the tv on the couch, Augustina cuddles with her and gets belly rubs. All the little things and details about the endearing piglet made Ryan fall in love with her even more. “Traditionally, we are taught to love just dogs and cats. Pigs are just like dogs. And in fact, science shows us that pigs are actually more intelligent than dogs. Augustina is no different from Neil in the way that she loves and feels joy and feels pain and suffering,” the piglet’s mom said.

Like her namesake, Augustina has brought summer to Ryan’s home and has changed Neil’s life. She’s a piglet oozing with sunshine which a sanctuary needs, mainly as it accommodates rescued animals. Uncle Neil’s Home is a safe space for 75 rescued farmed animals in New Jersey. They have provided the best and most genuine care for everyone they have saved. Ryan has helped them live the life they deserve, and you can also offer help. There are various ways to show support for their sanctuary, which you can find on their website. Another Augustina might be out there searching for a new home, so don’t hesitate to participate in Uncle Neil’s mission.

[embedded content]
Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog