Black Betty was part of an abuse and neglect case in Washington State when we met her. She came to us as part of the first BIG rescue we’d ever participated in. She and her family were living in filthy conditions and starving to death. We had no idea how old Betty was or how long she’d been living that way. That was February of 2018.
Betty lived a very charmed and comfortable Sanctuary Babe life for seven years with us. She was pampered and protected and respected. She was surrounded by her family from that rescue until the day she passed. We gave Betty everything there was to offer when an older body starts failing, but there comes a time when it’s simply no longer enough. Helping our elders maintain their quality of life is an essential part of this work, and that means we have to closely observe and identify when the quality is in decline. Betty had really significant spinal stenosis and fusion, mostly related to her age. Pigs often struggle with arthritis of all kinds, and this is one area of their body where it’s very difficult to manage.
While their lives are never long enough, we have to try and look at the beauty of a farmed animal who was rescued from horror and had the opportunity to grow old in sanctuary. It’s a rare and precious thing. After her rescue, she lived her life the way it was meant to be lived. Food. Friends. Family. Comfort. Connection. Peace.
Betty was our friend for a very long while. She’s one of our “Washington originals”. She is survived by her family: Sweet Tea, Sideways, Jolene, Ramblin’, Rambo, Riggle, Thug Muffin, Mister Lee, Biscuits, Hocus, Jinx, Bubo, Dave Gus, and a lovely little gaggle of Tennessee pigs whom she liked. It was our honor to walk beside her all the way home.
See you on the other side, Bets. We love you.
