As a self-proclaimed porcine lover and owner of a 4 and a half year old Pot-bellied Pig named LilliAnna, I was excited at the prospect of meeting lots of pigs at the Harvest Fest at PIGS Animal Sanctuary in Shepherdstown, WV, that was held October 18th.
PIGS, a Sanctuary, as listed in their newsletter, “provides refuge to abused, abandoned, neglected, and unwanted animals. Typically, animals residing at PIGS have complicated medical and/or emotional needs, a history of abuse and/or neglect, diseases or ailments related to factory farming or genetic engineering, and are often considered “ unadoptable”. The Sanctuary secures permanent, adoptive homes for many animals, but serves as a permanent refuge for hundreds of unadoptable animals.”
When I arrived at the farm, I was greeted by a few horses and donkeys. Then, continuing up the path by the farmhouse, I saw them- a huge pasture full of pot-bellied wonders! There were also several smaller pastures of elderly, young, and special needs pigs. Another huge pasture contained “farm pigs” massive beauties basked in the sun and enjoying mud bathes. I was also pleasantly surprised to find a large indoor/outdoor Adoptable Cat Facility as well as a lifelong kitty house with an enclosed front porch known as Ivan’s House of Hope, which houses FIV positive kitties for the duration of their lives. FIV is a viral disease of cats, similar to HIV in humans, which depletes the immune systems. With proper veterinary care, a good diet, and devoted caretakers, FIV positive cats can live mostly healthy, normal lives. FIV is more difficult to spread from cat to cat than the Feline Leukemia virus, and does not affect people.
PIGS, Inc is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization and all donations are tax deductible. Please keep them in mind this holiday season- the perfect gift for someone that is hard to buy for or has everything. Give a monetary gift in honor of them or drop off some of the following much needed supplies in their name:
Cleaning supplies- bleach, laundry detergent, Pine Sol, Paper Towels, Dish towels and Wash cloths.
Animal Care- Straw, hay, toys/treats/beds for cats and dogs, Non-clumping cat litter, dog and cat food-both canned and dry
Equipment- Large rakes, Brooms, Shovels
Gift Cards to: PetsMart, Lowe’s, Home Depot, Sears, Sheetz (for gas), Southern States. Staples, Office Max, Target, Tractor Supply, Wal-Mart
For more information on PIGS, Inc or to make a donation call (304) 262-0080 or visit www.pigs.org
E-mail FarmManager@pigs.org to donate supplies
Written by Jen Scuffins, a tech at Kingsbrook
