It is with a very heavy heart that I write this post. Yesterday I lost another dear friend at the Sanctuary. Max, one of the large Yorkshire pigs had started to have difficulty with his mobility due to advanced arthritis earlier this year. No longer able to walk very far or even stand to eat his meals Max had resorted to dropping to his front knees in efforts of easing the strain on his worn down body. Despite having a barn, plenty of straw and a number of heaters our extremely long and cold Alberta winters are very hard on the animals physically, mentally as well as emotionally which heart wrenchingly results in them aging quicker than in milder climates. After enduring the relentless challenges of last years 8 month long especially difficult winter, it was my hope for Max (as it is for all the aging animals) to be able to enjoy the pleasures of one last summer in the warm sunshine; grazing the fields and wallowing in the mud, which was always Maxs favorite. Im happy to say that Max was able to enjoy many of his favorite activities this summer and it is only recently that his body began to deteriorate at an increased rate. As most animals age they become pickier with their diets and pigs are no exception so I cook for the older ones special meals twice a day so they can enjoy a bit more pleasure and in efforts of extending their time, even if only for a bit. I added supplements and pain medicine as needed to Maxs meals for a good year but in the end it just wasnt enough and I knew in my heart that his time to go to heaven was getting near. I rescued Max 8 years ago as an abandoned stray along with Isabelle who was most likely his sister. The two were about 6 months old (slaughter age) when I found them in a ditch which led me to believe they were most likely being loaded up for slaughter and somehow managed to get away. I was very fortunate to be the one to capture them and bring them to the Sanctuary as all others interested in the animals were merely attracted to their flesh and how much they could profit from having them killed. Isabelles problems with mobility began one year sooner and sadly she passed away last summer. Max and Isabelle were very close, always sleeping, eating and wallowing in the mud together and the only thing that gives me comfort now is knowing that they are together once again. Max was an amazing ambassador for his species. Despite being blind, he was always gentle and kind to the hundreds of visitors who had the privilege of meeting him. People were always impressed with Maxs enthusiasm and agile cat-like ability (despite weighing 1,200lbs) to literally flop over for belly rubs in any location and from any position at the drop of a hat. It is through this simple yet deeply meaningful connection that many people began to recognize the similarity between companion animals and farmed animals subsequently resulting in questioning their own food and lifestyle choices. Im very proud to say that Maxs beautiful and gentle spirit was a catalyst for many people opting to leave meat off their plate, permanently. Maxs majestic presence and loving energy will be deeply missed at the Sanctuary. Rest in peace my sweet angel.
Posted on: Mon, 06 Oct 2014 19:50:43 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015