Same But Different

She happily trots beside us, just like a dog. But she is different. She loves it when you melt your hand into her glorious belly that she has just outstretched for your invitation. The lifeforce that sits behind her soft skin unmistakeably reverberates up your arm as you rub her belly dexterously, with your fingers in sync with her little grunts of pleasure.

If you close your eyes, she could well be the same as a cat.

But she is different.

She enjoys drinking in the sunset, the feel of soft grass under her feet, the sun’s warm rays as they kiss her back, and curiosity-filled walks in the forest, just the same as the nature lovers amongst us.

But she is different.

She scoots about in joyous rapture whenever it is her wont, and will even shout out in delight, just the same as a cheery pampered pet.

But she is different.

She sleeps soundly on a Sunday (or any day for that matter) like most of us wish to do.

But she is different.

And when she lurches forward, and gives a little cry, “let me go, “I want to live”, she is just the same as a small, excited child.

But she is different.

She is a connoisseur of fine food although not given to sharing; she is clean to a fault, and she brings sweet melody into the lives of those around her, just the same as a cherished friend.

But she is different.

She too comes with subtle and mindful messages of peace, just the same as those wise crusaders of justice who fill hearts and minds with inspiration and too the pages of history.

But she is different.

She is Tottie, and she is our newest best friend of the porcine persuasion.

And persuade she most certainly does.

She persuades, in the most moving of ways, one to consider that differences on the outside should never justify differences of our heart, nor in the treatment, consideration or protection provided by our legal systems for those less empowered than ourselves.

She persuades us to consider all of the intelligent, fun-loving and sensitive pigs who are no different to her, yet who will never realise those potentials as they languish on factory farms the world over. No different to her, save their fate.

She persuades, most admirably too, us to consider that although she may not look the same as the animals who have traditionally taken up those large pieces of real-estate deep within us, in the ways that matter most, she is no different.

Living life now at sanctuary with agency and purpose, Tottie is a potent reminder that miracles can happen, that hope can spring from the darkest of places, and even hearts, and moreover that each and every one of us can make a world of difference in the lives of animals just the same as her, simply by being kind.

Footnote – we give our most sincere thanks to our friends at Animals Australia for entrusting us with the lifelong love and care of Tottie. And in doing so, reminding us that one has never lived until they have loved a pig…

Sponsor Tottie!

Did you know that Tottie is one of our Best Buddies who you can sponsor? The perfect gift for a loved one or for yourself, you can get a free postal pack when you order a sponsorship online. You’ll then get updates on how she is doing!

Sponsor Tottie