From crate to comfort: Ellie's journey
In 2018, we received an urgent call about a young pig in desperate need. A kindhearted citizen had discovered a piglet being kept in a tiny crate outside—exposed to the sweltering heat, without fresh water or any shade. Fearing she wouldn’t survive much longer, they convinced the owner to surrender the pig and brought her straight to us.
When little Ellie arrived at the sanctuary, she broke our hearts. She had lost all of her hair, was dangerously thin, and clearly traumatized. Her eyes told the story of neglect—but also a flicker of hope. We knew her recovery wouldn’t be easy. She needed time, nourishment, and above all, love. We didn’t know if she would ever learn to trust again, or if she'd be strong enough to join the herd—but we were committed to giving her the life she deserved. A new beginningWith patience and care, Ellie slowly began to heal. Over time, her hair grew back into a stunning, thick black coat that she proudly wears all year round. She gained weight, strength, and most importantly—confidence.
Today, Ellie is not only healthy, she’s thriving. While she’s still a bit shy around new people, she is deeply bonded with those who care for her daily. Once Ellie trusts you, she’s a friend for life. A gentle soulEllie has a special heart for the shyest members of the herd. She formed a beautiful bond with Stella, a gentle pig who had kept her distance from others. No one could reach Stella—until Ellie came along. Their friendship blossomed in the most magical way. They were inseparable until Stella's passing, and her memory lives on in our hearts. (Read Stella’s story on our In Memoriam page.)
A life of loveToday, Ellie’s life is filled with sunshine, fresh water, warm straw, and healthy meals. She will never again suffer in silence or face life in a crate. And did we mention her favorite snuggle buddy? Petey the farm pig! The two are often found curled up together, napping in a cozy pile of straw.
From rags to riches, Ellie’s journey reminds us why we do this work. She is living proof of the healing power of sanctuary. |
Sponsor Ellie
|
|
Meet the rest of the herd
Click or tap a photo to learn more about our herd members. Who will capture your heart?
