Over the summer, I had the opportunity to volunteer with Chicagoland Pig Rescue to transport two babies, Fabio and Fiona, for a vet check and take them to their foster home. Ironically, they both fell off the same transport truck that was bringing them to a facility to grow bigger before heading to a slaughterhouse.
I instantly fell in love with them and got to know their personalities. Fabio was smaller and timid, while Fiona was bigger and sassy. Despite their differences, they bonded quickly as they felt safe being together.
Through the coordinated efforts of Chicagoland Pig Rescue and Peak Animal Sanctuary, Peak Animal Sanctuary is Fabio and Fiona’s forever home where they now have Annie, an eleven-year-old pig, as their surrogate mama.
This past weekend, I took a trip to Peak Animal Sanctuary to visit Fabio and Fiona. They have grown so big and have much room to roam and graze. I wondered if they would remember me, but my doubts were cast away as Fabio gave me kisses, and Fiona offered her belly to rub. They love their new mama, Annie, and she couldn’t be sweeter to these little ones. Somehow, the dynamic duo has learned to sit for treats! I didn’t want to leave them, and I got teary-eyed as they walked me to the gate and even gave a little pout as I went.
Hundreds of thousands of pigs get slaughtered every day in the U.S. Piglets are taken away from their mothers between two and four weeks of age and generally do not live past their six-month birthday. Fabio and Fiona are among the small group of fortunate ones rescued from the meat industry and can now live in their forever home, where they are loved, treated with respect, and safe.
Thank you, Chicagoland Pig Rescue and Peak Animal Sanctuary, for giving these babies a second chance at life!
