February Newsletter and Happenings

February has started off just like January ended, nice sunny afternoons, and temperatures above the freezing mark, and then Bam, below zero both night and day. It is very difficult on the Potbelly Pig; regardless of rather they are inside or outside pets.

While I was breaking ice the other day for the 3rd time, a thought came to mind, ”Wonder what all of the population has done to those wonderful “Wicked Witches of the North, South, East & West, to warrant weather like we are getting?”

I haven’t seen any of the “Witches” around with their little brooms helping everyone dig out. Yes, the weather has been extremely hard not only on humans this year, but has taken a toll on animals of all sorts.

If you have a rescue or Sanctuary in your neighborhood, stop by and ask if there is something that you might do to give them a hand. Even if it is for an hour, the person who is there 24/7 may have a minute or two to run in the house grab a cup of tea, coffee. A dry pair of shoes or gloves. Your 60 minutes will give them the other 23 hours that they need. Give it a try and see how it makes you feel, to know that you have helped someone in need that day and it only took an hour to have a good feeling about yourself.

Now on to a couple of other things that affect every pet owner regardless of the type of pet. Those of us who have rescues and sanctuaries worry day to day about our feed supplies. Prices are rising every day, not just a few cents but dollars. Any pet food that has grains of any sort is skyrocketing. Corn this morning on the Farm Market Report was 6.87 a bushel. Rough figuring, a bushel weighs Apx. 50/55 #.

So, in a 50# bag bought at a feed store cost is going to double at least, making it 13.75 per CWT. Now you may say, ‘Well I can afford that, I only have 1 potbelly pig, besides I don’t just feed it corn, so the other potbelly pig foods will stay the same, NOT TRUE, Mazuri at the local stores has jumped already over 3.00 per 25 # bag. Any other feeds, rather potbelly pig, dog, cat, chicken will also see a steady rise in cost. We grow our own corn and it is a hit and miss deal there also. Our crop did not produce like it should have this year and we just had to buy an additional 10 ton’s of shell corn to the tune of 11.00 per hundred weight, from the farmer about ½ mile from us making it $220.)) Per ton over all 2,200. I know that there are others that also have the price raise in their areas. Many of you are lucky to be able to get your fruits and veggie’s that are out dated, Count your blessings, in Colorado, rather than let the Homeless Shelters, rescues or sanctuaries have it and put it to good use, it goes to the Landfills, and sometimes into compose piles, SO all treats that are good for the potbelly’s have to be purchased at either discount prices in grocery stores or from the orchards in the summer. This is just a brief outline of what is to come and it is coming faster than we think. I am concerned for all of us, who have larger numbers of animals that depend on us and what the future holds for those of us who have committed to our animals for life. How many rescues and sanctuaries have already given up the battle and we are picking up the slack, I am sure that there are others out there that have the same thoughts. Is there a solution?

All the critters at the Pig-A-Sus are doing great. The cold has been a little rough on several of the older residents, but they are holding their own. I keep telling them that summer is around the corner, somewhere.

We are getting 2 new girls from the University of Utah in about 2 weeks, we are so excited as they are a new breed of swine to us “Gothenburg” and used in research. These girls are finished their program and now are headed for the normal life of a potbelly pig. Watch for pictures and updates after they arrive toward the end of February….

Remember to keep those water bowls full of fresh water and those outside huts with clean straw and blankets… Our friends depend on us as we depend on them for companionship and love, and kisses…..

Don’t forget February 14th, and that special person in your life that loves you enough to love all these POTBELLY PIGS THAT WE LOVE!!!!!!!!!  “NO CHOCOLATE FOR PIGGIES”

Also remember March 1st is National Pig Day, Schedule something fun for you and your Sanctuary and or that “Special Pig Person” in your life or community,

The Pig-A-Sus has taken on a project this year and are hoping that others will join in also. We are making sure that children in our community are not forgotten on special days. Some parents are having a rough time with the economy and having to make cuts in their budget that include things for the kids.

In our area’s the local radio station KEKB does a summer program for children where you donate a 1 time fee for a program put on by Parks and Recreation, for the child so that they can have a fun summer and we are also a Sponsor of St. Jude’s for children , Smiles and kisses from a potbelly pig, may be all a child needs to survive. For those who do not want to do the programs, we will offer a day at the Pig-A-Sus with a parent, sibling or grandparent. Call for information or email pighome96@aol.com

Remember that spring is coming and all those plants that will be out in full bloom, Please check for the ones in your area that are POISON IF YOU PET EATS OR CHEWS THEM, and know what to do to prevent or have your vet’s number on file.

MAKE SURE THAT YOU GIVE ALL THOSE SPRING HEALTH ISSUE (WORMING, VACCINATE AND HOOF TRIMS) ATTENTION AND YOU WILL HAVE A GREAT SUMMER FOR 2011.

For those of you that have lost your beloved pet over the winter, Thumper sends “Kisses on the wind for your cheek” stop for a minute and feel those soft, moist whiskers and know that you are in their heart also….