WELL, another New Year with another DECADE, what a run this is going to be. We can only hope that the Potbelly Pig will survive this next Decade with more City & County Ordinance and hopes of Legislature that will bring the Potbelly Pig as a  HOUSEHOLD PET and Companion Animal.  What an accomplishment that will be.

I feel that it is possible, with the right Education and the right people working for this to happen. Many already potbelly pig owners and those looking for these unique pets, with Guidance in knowledge and Education will help this to happen.  This is not a 1 person agenda, BUT a lot of long hours and perseverance on everyone part. Let’s decrease Sanctuary numbers and increase “Knowledgeable Potbelly Pig owners.” In 2010,

 

We have ended 2009 and started 2010 with another big “Splash” on yet another new breed of Potbelly Pig. The TEACUP POTBELLY PIG…. This is not a BREED, this is a CATEGORY,

Not a breed…. Remember this, “Only breeders wanting to make “big bucks” will tell you that they are a Breed”. We have received so many calls already about “Where can we get one, and can you get a guarantee that these will not weigh over 20 POUNDS….

 

I tell those who call, “I will GUARANTEE THAT THEY WILL NOT WEIGH OVER 20 POUNDS” FOR THE 1^ST 3 MONTHS OF THEIR LIFE.” AFTER THAT YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN.

 

I am not going to elaborate on the subject of the TEACUP potbelly pig….. Please go to http://www.teacuppig.info/ and click. Crystal from Vegaspigpets.org has done a great article to share with everyone one who is considering “Running right out and buying one from the Backyard Breeder.”

 

The Heated Hut Program has been just wonderful for the Old gals and guys.  We have not lost 1 potbelly pig due to extremely cold weather and snow this year.  We are extremely glad for the “testing” of the huts with the severe weather conditions that have hit Colorado, along with the rest of the USA.  We also are very great full that our long hours of planning and working have worked successfully in this new program.

 

On the morning of -22 here, the huts were at 39 degrees and toasty warm.  We are learning each day what improvements that we need to make to make them 100 efficient.  Little things like, take out the black rubber mats or cut holes to let more heat thru, the water pans need to become stationary, so they don’t spill them, as they have not froze 1 time this year, (Wish I could say this for the other’s 11 pens who don’t have the luxury of the heated huts), and it is wonderful to see some of the ones who have the arthritic joints, to be able to just walk out to eat their meals and bathroom, instead of crippling.

 

Again, thank you to all those who help with the 18 month process of getting at least 7 of these done. We will begin to work on the others in the spring… We are going to find monies and pour the pads with the Radiant Floor Heat, and if necessary, we will be able to sit the wooden huts on them, not as efficient as the concrete blocks, but a start. We will have 9 huts left to do.

 

We also have developed a system for the summer months so that there will not have to be a fire in the Central Boiler thru the summer.  We have a ‘Solar Company” coming next week to give us estimates on the panels that we will need to keep the therapy tub in use 365 days a year, and hot water for the entire system.  We are going to place Hydro Solar panels in the system and let that heat for summer months.  SO THIS WILL BE THE PROJECT FOR THE SPRING AND SUMMER OF 2010.  We are applying for several Grants, with the hope that we will be lucky enough to get some much needed grant money to do this project, as we are looking at close to $7,500.00 to 8,000.00 for the rest of the pads, water lines and Solar.

 

We are starting the New Year with 64 potbelly pigs on board.

 

We also are looking at ways to become more involved with  Community Organizations, like the Humane Society and other Animal Non-Profits, in the Grand Junction area. We would like to be able to be eligible for monetary donations, from other organizations that help non-profits.  If you would like to help with this project or have suggestions, please email us at pighome96@aol.com with subject line:  Monetary grants.

 

We would like to thank all those who attended the 2009 December Open House.  Even with Mother Nature throwing us a snowstorm, we did have a fairly good turnout and donations were greatly appreciated. PLUS, Santa had a great ride.

 

We had a minor setback at the Open House,, with some destruction and not so good with some of the Potbelly Pigs.

We will do only 1 “Open House” in the future and it will be during the warmer spring or summer months, when we can have more volunteers on board to help with the events going on.  “Watch for our Christmas in June. July or August 2010”

 

We hope to have more “Special Needs” events this summer, as you really have to be here in Person, to see the Smiles and Love that the Hilltop L.A.P. Clients bring to themselves and to the Potbelly Pig as well.  It is groups like this, that make all the frozen ice in the winter and hard long hours of doing improvements, worth the doing, because that “Thank You or that hug, or the “We love you Sioux”, as they are leaving Smiling and waving, you can’t imagine the feelings that it brings to the heart to know that we have not only made a difference in the live of the “Potbelly Pig”, but in the life a Special individual also.

 

We will be sending out in the February News Letter invitations to be Sponsors for the Potbelly Pigs that we have for the “Hands on Group.”  We would like to improve their area, so that we can have a play yard for people to have one on one and learn all about the Potbelly Pig and its life.

 

Also, we will be looking for Volunteers to help when we have special needs groups attending. Many people call to volunteer, and it is deeply appreciated, but most of our volunteer work is hard, heavy shovel work, painting, construction, not that we wouldn’t love to have you.  We also have many very talented persons from the Mesa County Community Service program, for ones doing community service for their problems. Some leave after their hours are completed, and then return to help finish projects that they are truly interested in.  We are planning to have a few days open for visitors during the school breaks, so that kids can come and see just how a rescue works and what all is involved with caring for other people pets and  life long pets. Watch for our announcement for registration for this event.

 

Please be sure and visit the web site and other links that we have attached, Remember to use the Amazon bar when looking to buy products, as we get a percentage donated back to the Pig-A-Sus, when you purchase.

 

Before I close, we have a bit of Sadness.  As many of you know we had a wonderful gentleman come and build the Heated Huts on top of the concrete pads.

Mr. Orlando “Orlie” Lujan, age 70.
Also shown is Dillon, Orlies grandson
Orlie passed on December 30, 2009

Please say a prayer for his family

 

Last and surely NOT LEAST, “Thank You” Dave, Peg & Crystal for all your help in the transport division of the Sanctuary.

The Potbelly Pigs are great full and with all that we have going on we are so great full for your devoted help, so we can continue to be here daily and carry on what needs to be done.

 

May all of you and us also have a FANASTIC 2010.  We hope to see you often and be able to visit.  Talking, not only about our favorite subject, “Potbelly Pigs,” but also, you, your potbelly pig and  families. Have a great year, and remember,

"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)