Gosh, Time isn’t waiting for anyone. Not only do “Pigs Fly”, but time does also. Things here at the Pig-A-Sus and WCPPEHC are moving right along.   

We have gotten 2 more potbelly pigs added to the Pig-A-Sus count of 64. Miss Essi is from Creston, Colorado, 5 years
old and a little over weight, (200# +) so she will be on he diet end of the program in the next couple of months.  Then, there is Miss Chelsea, who is 17 years old, weighs soaking wet 65 #’s and can do just about anything.  She is very active, loves being outside in the sun, but wants her inside kennel as does Essi at night.  So these 2 girls are going to be together and eventually move into a “Heated Hut Program”.

All the others are doing great, especially those already in the heated huts… Temperature is holding at 40+ degrees and water is not freezing. Those without “rad flooring” well,
not so lucky.  We were doing great with the snow (23 inches) as insulation around some of the wooden huts, but then we
got a few warm days,& that plan all went “South”, as the
snow close up melted from the sun, water ran into some of
the wooden huts from the roofs and sides, requiring us to move the potbelly’s into other huts so that they are not in wet straw and frozen straw. But all are doing well. Straw supply is holding which is great.  Did buy a few bales of small bales to keep on the 6 wheeler so that we can just put out daily where needed.  With all the snow and ice those ton bales are really difficult to work with.

Now for some updates: 

1. Solar Project:  We are moving right along with
that project. Panels were delivered February 1, 2010.
Between the donations and Atlasta Solar generous
contribution we are going to have the therapy tub running 24/7 365 days a year and hot water in the vet room
everyday also.

Just because we have the panels, doesn’t mean that funding
is over, we are still another $3,500.00 down for all the extra framing and pieces & parts that we need.  We deeply appreciate what has come in so far. At least for right now, the panels are secured and at the Pig-A-Sus. Watch the chart that we have on the web site for updates.

2. We are receiving an unusual amount of request to adopt
and for people wanting to relinquish there pets.  Many of
the calls for relinquishment have me with great concern, as they are all younger potbelly pigs.  Again, it makes the Education even more important than in the past.  People, who do not do enough research on this unique pet, find out that they do not have the slightest idea on how to care for it or the cost of caring for it and it goes by the wayside.  Please, if you are considering adopting a potbelly pig, rather young or older adult, do your research.  And if you are buying from a breeder, again, do your research, as many of the advertised breeder are “backyard breeders” and breed for the $$$$’s only. Not the welfare of the animal.  Last, but most important, the new “FAD” “Teacup’s not to get over the size of a small dog” 
More information here: http://www.teacuppig.info/

   Thank you, Crystal

          THERE ARE GOOD HONEST PEOPLE WHO WILL HELP

3. We have also had several calls for visitation to the Sanctuary.

With the amount of snow that we still have on the ground and the cold weather, we are not yet open to the public.  The potbelly pigs do not come out of their huts with the temperatures like they are at the present time.  Think about what you are asking:  Are you comfortable outside in sub
zero weather, when you don’t have to be? Well, neither are the potbelly pigs. So give us a few months and then if there isn’t some big “major crash” (swine flu, pseudo rabies etc.) we will be glad to show you around. Call and we will let
you know.

Now for something that sometimes gets delayed:  We would
like to acknowledge the following persons who work with the Pig-A-Sus Homestead and WCPPEHC, Inc. in more ways than can be counted.

Peggy and Dave, for their generous donations to the Pig-A-Sus, for all the projects that we have completed and those still underway.

Plus, for their never ending TRANSPORTS,  The Pig World is
so blessed to have people who know how to transport when it comes to taking someone’s pet that they have had for
decades.  You not only have to have concern about the stress of the animal, but the people also and these 2 people are just fantastic with both aspects.

To our new on Board Transporter, Debby. She has become very helpful not only in the Open Houses and Volunteer work, but also in the transport of animals within limited mileage. She is doing great and we appreciate her eagerness to learn.

To all of those who have donated to the Solar Panel Project, Thank You so much,  We are over ½ way there,  with those who have donated, the Panels are here….. Thank YOU SUPPORTER’S

AND TO THAT “SPECIAL PERSON” WHO WANTS TO REMAIN ON THE SIDE LINES, “THANK YOU” FOR YOUR “VET DONATION.” IT IS PEOPLE
LIKE YOU WHO MAKE THE MEDICAL PART OF A RESCUE SO HEARTWARMING, BECAUSE AT THE PIG-A-SUS, THE COST IS NOT THE ISSUE, THE CURE IS THE ISSUE.  BELIEVE ME, THERE ARE TIMES, WHEN YOU NEVER KNOW WHERE THE NEXT DOLLARS ARE COMING FROM FOR MEDICAL, SO IT IS A WELL SAVORED FUND.  (Especially when you don’t get a vet bill in the mail and call to see why and they tell you that someone has helped with your expenses).   Again, Thank you….

Please check the web site frequently for up dates.  We have many new things coming on board in March and April.  I believe that you will be pleased.  Also, check to see how
the Solar Project is coming along as we are hoping to have that completed by April 15, 2010.

 

"THE ONLY DUMB QUESTION ABOUT A POTBELLY PIG IS THE ONE NOT ASKED"

 

Sioux Robbins-Bartels & Thumper’s Legacy

Privately Owned

Pig-A-Sus Homestead

&

Western Colorado Potbelly Pig

Education Health Center

Non-Profit 501 (c) (3)