Pig-A-Sus will not be having an Open House
Due to the extent of the problems with the open house at Christmas.  Many of the animals suffer
before arriving at Pig-A-Sus and we dont want to subject them to and additional stress or abuse. 

To all those who braved the weather and the long drives to get here “THANK YOU” FOR THE ENJOYABLE DAY.  The weather was not in our favor this year, but the atmosphere and the laughter of the “Special Needs” groups who attended warmed your heart so the cold was shunned away. 

Santa not only was a hit for the children, but the young and old, and  the Potbelly Pigs enjoyed the loveable, “jolly ole guy” who arrived escorted by children and the “Well’s Farm” John-Deere Tractor and hay wagon. The snow nor cold had a chance with all the smiling faces.  Santa was greeted, by our favorite, Peggy Malone, singing “Here Comes Santa Clause”, along with other holiday songs, with the entire group chiming in.  Hot chocolate, hot cider and homemade chocolate chip cookies awaited everyone.  Thanks to Vegaspigpets, (Crystal and Pork Chop,)  the potbelly pigs at the Pig-A-Sus now have their very own “Ole fashion Popcorn Popper,” which was a great hit for all the Potbelly pigs waiting for treats and a belly rub, even if it meant laying in the fresh snow.  For video of the open house please look further on the web site. (You will see some day after much added fun for the children who were still here) Sledding….

Now for a touch of reality:  We have had many groups visit the Pig-A-Sus over the 13 years ( in Feb.2010), 9 Open Houses over the years and lots of good things, but this “Open House” was not what we expected.

Never before have we had any vandalism, theft nor abuse to the potbelly pigs. This Open House these things did happen. Several of the potbelly pigs that are in the “Play Pen” our one on one pen, were kicked or hit on the face/head area, 1 very serious.  All are going to be fine, but the Audacity of either a child unsupervised or an adult, just being mean, is not acceptable, & this sort of behavior will not be tolerated where we spend days, months and sometime years, trying to get the animal who has been previously abused to trust the HUMAN again.  Even if, someone who was actually afraid of the animals did this, IT IS NOT ACCEPTALE, as there were plenty of experienced potbelly pig people on hand that would gladly have went to the pen with you.

Also some of the crafts that were donated to help reach the year end goals we stolen or left laying outside in the snow, and a few were even thrown in the potbelly pig pens.  Another “Child Prank” someone deliberately turned on one of the “frost freeze” water hydrants for the potbelly pigs who do not get the pleasure of living in the New Heated Hut Program, flooding one of the huts that houses 4 potbelly pigs.  In their process to shut it off (?) the handle was broken.  We noticed the following morning that their was a frozen icicle attached to the faucet, but did not check it out, just watered from the next faucet, Not finding the wet pen until midday the following day. 

 THE MOST ASTONISHING THING  “WE HAD ADULT’S EVERYWHERE”  

2 ADULTS HAD SEEN 1 CHILD BEING ABUSIVE TO THE ANIMALS, ESPECIALLY A FERAL CAT THAT WE HAD PLACED IN A KENNEL FOR SAFETY,SO HE WASN’T ALLOWED BACK OUT IN THE COLD,(He was in the vet room) and one on the Potbelly pigs, that was greeting all of the people and of course looking for popcorn treats.

The members of the board of Directors and myself have had several talks in the last few days and have come to the conclusion that for the safety of the animals there will be no more “Open Houses,” in the Winter time, for the Pig-A-Sus and possibly none period.  Safety, education and love for the animals come first.  We will continue to have our Openings for the Special Needs Groups, school groups and one on one visitation in the summer.

We try to support the community groups and their projects and this will continue, but we will no longer have people who we do not know near the animals or the facilities of the Sanctuary or Educational Health Center, UNLESS, there is 1 on 1 escort.

We would like to ask for your continued support for the Pig-A-Sus Homestead and our newly formed non-profit 501, Western Colorado Potbelly Pig Education Health Center, as we need support and donations, from the animal lovers, to continue the care that we give the animals.

The Potbelly Pig is one of the most UNIQUE pets that anyone could have. They are also one of the cleanest, mellowest and loving companions for the young and old alike.  We are sadden to make this decision, but, those of you who are animals people will understand, “The animal and it’s safety come first”

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU AND YOUR PET
& ALSO REMEMBER

  THE BEST GIFT TO YOUR PET IS TO SPAY OR NEUTER
FOR A LONG & HEALTHY LIFE

Sioux Robbins-Bartels & Thumper’s Legacy

Privately Owned

Pig-A-Sus Homestead

&

Western Colorado Potbelly Pig

Education Health Center

Non-Profit 501 (c) (3)

“Where the life of a potbelly pig is judged by humanity and love, not abuse.”

The Videos!