Annie & Gigi

In September 2012, we were contacted by a Good Samaritan who had learned about a litter of piglets being terribly neglected. There had originally been four. By the time help arrived, one had already died. Knowing the others could suffer the same fate, this wonderful person convinced their owners to relinquish the remaining three piglets and contacted us. That is how Annie, Gigi and Dot came into our lives. Despite what they had already experienced, these three little girls were incredibly sweet. More than anything, they craved attention and affection. They just wanted to be loved. All three were eventually spayed, and when they were ready, we began looking for the perfect adoptive homes. But anyone who has spent enough time around pigs knows something very important: You don’t choose the pig. The pig chooses you. And Dot most definitely chose her person. A wonderful family came to meet the girls. They had severe allergies to many animals and had heard that pigs might be a better fit for their family. Their young son was actually quite nervous around the piglets. Dot didn’t care. She was smitten. She followed that little boy everywhere, and apparently Dot had already made the decision for everyone. She was going home with him. And she did. Dot became a beloved member of their family, complete with her own room, her own doggie door, free run of the house and a life where saying she was “spoiled” would probably be an understatement. Annie and Gigi’s path was different. They stayed with us. From the time they were young, we made a point of exposing Annie and Gigi to people and new experiences. We wanted them comfortable with the outside world and able to show people just how affectionate, intelligent and social pigs can be. Fourteen years later, that’s exactly what they’re still doing. Annie and Gigi live right in front of our main house, and they are often among the very first residents to greet our visitors. Although “greet” might be putting it mildly. These girls know exactly what visitors are good for. BELLY RUBS! It doesn’t take long before one of them flops right over, making it perfectly clear what is expected of you. They are gentle, affectionate, incredibly sweet with everyone they meet, and after all these years, they continue to be wonderful ambassadors for pigs everywhere. It is hard to think about how their lives began—or about the little sibling who didn’t survive long enough to be rescued. But Annie, Gigi and Dot did. Three neglected little piglets were given a chance. Dot found the family she chose. And Annie and Gigi found theirs right here. We are so grateful that these two beautiful girls have called Saving Animals & Healing Hearts home for all these years. And after nearly 14 years together, we couldn’t imagine SAHH without them.