Willy was a wild-born feral who lived nearly his whole life in the holler with his partner, Daisy. He was the oldest resident on the property at eighteen years old.
We noticed that Willy was struggling to keep up at meal times. In a herd this large, we diligently assess every tiny “blip” on the radar. Willy seemed a little lost, as though he was interested in eating but not willing to compete at the bus stops. We started altering his routine by offering private meals, but he seemed to be having trouble with pellets. We switched to mash, thinking that at 18 years old, he may need something softer to eat. We scheduled him for a checkup, and provided supportive care until it was his turn.
Willy had never been to the hospital, and he walked bravely inside while we encouraged him along. All the staff ooooh’ed and ahhhhh’ed at how adorable he was. An EIGHTEEN year old feral pig walking himself into the hospital? Most of our vet friends had never seen such a magical, mythical creature as Willy.
We made a plan to assess him for a dental abscess and draw blood, but every animal also gets a full physical assessment. Once he was gently sedated, they found his belly was distended and taut. Ultrasound confirmed the worst. Cancer. He had a huge mass in his abdomen and numerous nodules on other organs. After 18 years of perfectly beautiful living in the holler, Willy’s age caught up with him. We let him go peacefully with our compassionate vet team gently tending his old body.
This photo speaks volumes about what we provided here in Tennessee in terms of individualized care for the animals. Willy had never had a house. We weren’t sure why, but he just didn’t have one. We built one for him in the holler and offered it, in case he wanted it. He loved his little house, and he slept in it regularly over his last few years. He guarded it and got annoyed when you bothered him there. No one stole it from him, and he kept it a disheveled mess. It was HIS.
Willy lived almost his entire long life as a Sanctuary Babe. He’s so terribly rare and special for that, but in every other way, he’s just like every single pig we have ever met…deserving of protection and valued as an individual. He was a joy to know. See you on the other side, sir.
