Pigs of peace and snouts of steel…

Once used for breeding with a view to consumption, these pigs now lived in squalor, a situation that could not be continued for many a reason. Anyone who has ever attempted to move pigs will readily attest the task may not always be an easy one.

It is one that must be undertaken with care, calculation and kindness. And, as we learned, whilst the three youngsters took some loading, that was achieved; however, it was their dear mumma who refused to budge.

“So, what’s the next option?” we asked. On learning of the answer, our response was swift, “We’ll be there first thing tomorrow.”

With a great plan already in place, our task was to relay this to the reluctant mumma pig. As we softly did this, our pig shields refused to yield to her snout of steel, which attempted to root and duck underneath. A momentary pause later to take in the delicious scent of pig mash, Olive, as she would be known, was safely onboard with her little family, and she was sanctuary-bound.

Pitifully thin and covered in lice, the stench of the remnants of filth and that life they left behind coloured our first days together. Yet despite this all, and the fate that would have otherwise lain ahead, Olive, Erin, Shanti and Axel are four of the friendliest and most personable piggies one could ever hope to meet.

Which may surprise some, given what they have been through. But not for others who know pigs. For they would be well versed in the ways of the pig, knowing of their smarts and too their generous capacity for forgiveness.

For this reason, this happy quartet have been given names synonymous with peace, as this is our promise for how they shall live out their days. And what better reminder could we all have for making peace with their kind?

For they have been long ready — what about you?