Meet Petunia Piglet, Our Newest Valentine

 

By Susie

With Valentine’s Day approaching, love is certainly on a lot of people’s minds … and those of us working here at Farm Sanctuary are no exception. In fact, surrounded by hundreds of affectionate rescued farm animals who have lots of it to share, we’d be hard pressed not to have our hearts melt a little each day. But perhaps nothing conjures the “warm and fuzzies” any time of year quite like a rescue story, so it is with great delight that I introduce you to our newest little sweetheart, baby Petunia.

Born on a farm in upstate New York, Petunia was the runt of her litter. For most piglets bred for production, this is a death sentence, as hardly any farmer wants or is able to take the time to bottle-feed a piglet who isn’t thriving day and night. As a result, many are left to languish or are often killed in brutal ways. But in Petunia’s case, she was donated to a veterinary teaching hospital so that students there could perform a practice surgery on the umbilical hernia with which she was born.

Sadly, animals used as teaching tools don’t fare much better than runts: they too are often disposed of or killed after enduring invasive procedures and the stresses of surgery preparation – as was to be the fate of Johnny and friends – residents at our California Shelter who faced slaughter after being used for hernia surgeries, but were saved at the final hour by a compassionate student who called us for help.

Fortunately, a call for help came for Petunia too. After receiving the piglet, doctors at the hospital reached out to us to see if we would be willing to give the tiny piglet a home, and we couldn’t pass up on the chance to take her in. She did need a surgery right away, however, to repair the hernia, which for her was riskier because she was so small. And, our worst fears realized, the situation proved to be very touch and go as her heart stopped during the procedure. Luckily, she was quickly revived and pulled through despite the fact she had also aspirated fluid into her lungs, causing pneumonia. But Petunia proved to be very strong and beat the odds to survive.

 

When Petunia arrived at our New York Shelter a few days later, she only weighed about 4-pounds and could literally fit into one hand. But what she lacks in size, she sure makes up for with her incredible spirit – nothing, and I mean nothing, can keep this dynamic piglet down! Settled inside a comfy pen with a heat lamp, blankets and pillows right near our caregiver offices in the shelter hospital so we could keep a close eye on her and attend to her many bottle feedings ‘round the clock, this cheerful baby  immediately began  stealing the hearts of everyone who dropped by to snuggle and play with her. While she is not out of the woods yet, and has since had a repeat trip back to the hospital for further treatments and assessment for more surgery, we are hopeful that she will fully recover soon. 

 
Little Petunia snuggling with her plush raccoon.
              
There is nothing quite like the unconditional and carefree love that little Petunia, and all babies like her, have to share with anyone who is receptive to receiving it. To think that this sweet girl who takes such pleasure in all the simple joys of life almost didn’t have the chance to shine so brightly is heartbreaking … but by saving each one we can, and telling their stories, we are showing the world, little by little, that there is another way – just like the veterinarians did the day they decided to save Petunia’s life rather than let her slip away. So, on behalf of Petunia and everyone else here at Farm Sanctuary, we want to thank all of you out there who are sharing your compassion and love with farm animals every day, and wish you a very happy Valentine’s Day!
 

Comments

[Round Baby Cribs]

Aww I love the photo of Petunia with her Raccoon dolly! Super cute! It reminds me so much of the Australian movie 'Babe'. If you haven't seen it, i'm sure you'll loooove it!! Ahh to be back on the farm again!! Thanks so much for the story, hehe cant wait to show my sister!

[Serendipitous Vegan]

We are amazed at the work you have done, are doing, and will continue to do in the future. We've added a link to Farm Sanctuary on our blog in hopes to direct more traffic your way. Good luck and thank you very much!!

[Wendy]

Thank you Farm Santuary!! This story of Petunia made me cry, I only wish I was there to see her, touch her, and play with her. What an amazing little girl she is. And what an amazing job you are doing. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you. Keep up the wonderful work.

[vakantiehuis mallorca]

Wow..!! Piglet is looking so cute and innocent....The very first pic describes how it really looks...In the first pic it looks that Piglet is giving a huge smile..

[Chana Pinson]

Omg! I especially love the last picture of her sleeping with her doll! Not that my family and I need reconfirmation to stay vegan but I love love seeing these animals so happy and so at home.

[Amara]

Thank you dear little Petunia, and all the animals at Farm Sanctuary, for opening our hearts and giving us inspiration to be more kind and compassionate human beings. You are so precious and sweet and strong, and I'm so happy you have been rescued by this wonderful, caring organization. I have not eaten pork, or veal, for many years, and never will again, and very rarely have beef. But I do still eat fish and humanely raised chicken. Maybe one day I will be able to be completely vegetarian. Blessings to all.

[Donna Alzona]

I can't wait to take my family to the farm sanctuary in NY! What a precious baby!

[Mimi S]

I 100% - no 1000% with all the above comments. I just was informed about your site this afternoon. God bless you for all you do. We all must help, b/c it surely appears there are more callous people who put up with the animal violence on today's farms.

[Tammy]

What a great story. Yey Petunia! Go Vegans! ;)

Graceful Blessings to all

Tammy

[Dena Picken]

thank you again Farm Sanctuary!!

[Thomas Williams]

I'm going vegetarian as of today as a tribute to the spirit of this amazing pig. Thank you Petunia for showing me the way!

[Janet]

What a sweetie! I can't wait to see her in person when the weather gets a little better and she gets a little bigger and healthier.

[Amy Gode]

Way to go!

[Tom Schmidt]

This story is a testament to the value of a life. Petunia's life matters, as do the lives of all the animals that are subjected to the barbaric and brutal factory farming system. I'm happy for Petunia that many people cared enough to recognize her will to live, and that she will have a nice home at Farm Sanctuary.

[Beth Kent]

wish I were there to hold her

[Jo Alex SG]

Thank you so much for your noble work,I´m a vegetarian Taoist and though not all Taoists are veggies, I can tell you that at least one master in mainland China,the great Wang Liping , has amazing cases to tell of the spiritual evolution of non-humans ,how even a little turtel can practice inner alchemy.
So,non-humans have a soul too and farm animals can be quite evolved !

[Anne]

This little piglet is what Farm Sanctuary is all about. Love.
Keep us posted on her progress!

[Mohawkgirl506]

This lovely story touched my heart. I am still crying. This is why I love you. Your care and commitment have enriched all lives!

[Kerri]

Thank you Farm Sanctuary!

[Pattie]

Wowl She's adorable. I hope she finds a great home and some companionship