Rebecca was one of the 159 pigs surrendered to Odd Man Inn when we took over the Tennessee property in 2021. She was at the top of our priority list because of her age. She was 16 and needed a lot of extra help. Rebecca had two swollen feet that had been a problem for a very long time and she needed daily assistance to stand. It deserved a professional assessment. We realized the answer likely wouldn’t be good news, but it couldn’t be ignored. It hurt her.
Rebecca’s foot infection had destroyed the bone, which was not fixable. The bones were “moth eaten”, which cannot support the weight of a big girl like that. It’s painful and inhumane.
She passed peacefully while she was asleep for her X-ray.
Loss is a painful part of this work, but it’s an absolute HONOR to meet their very last needs with compassion and kindness. They deserve every single gentle act we can offer them. Using our head and our hands and our heart to help make their lives easier is what sanctuary is all about.
If you’ve never met a 16 year old farmed pig, it’s one of the most rare and wonderful experiences. Not only did Rebecca beat the odds by landing in a sanctuary, but she lived longer than anyone would expect for her species. Rebecca was a special girl, but aren’t they all? She was a normal farmed pig, just like every other. She just got lucky enough to score a chance that billions of other pigs don’t get…they’re all exactly as special and wonderful as Rebecca.
Rebecca was survived by her sister, Rita, and her rescue family.