"Ivy Rose"

Ivy Rose was 3 months old when we adopted her from the Elmsford Animal Shelter. A fraternity had decided that it would be fun to have a little pig as a mascot. They picked out the smallest piglet, took her home and called her “Dinner”. Although they did not intend to eat her, “Dinner” was not cooperating with their brotherhood antics (or maybe she just didn’t like her name). They decided to “get rid of her” and give her to the shelter. Piglets are not supposed to be taken away from mom at such an early age.

Ivy Rose was just as I had imagined a pig would be; so much like a dog only smarter, stronger and certainly more stubborn. But, just as loving and always wanting to be with us, whether you rubbed her tummy or not. You could talk to her and her eyes sparkled with understanding. She trusted me and I was able to put my hand in her mouth and massage her gums and teeth and touch her dainty little Miss Piggy feet. An expert, Cheryl Dumas, who runs a pig sanctuary in Northern Connecticut, coached me and told me that Ivy would have to get used to being touched everywhere so we could file her teeth and trim her feet when she grew over 250 lbs. By the way, standard Yorkshires like Ivy never stop growing. If they happen to enjoy life past the usual slaughter age of 6 months (250 lbs.), they will continue to geometrically enlarge up to 850 lbs.

We built a spacious and cozy outdoor/indoor pen for her with lots of hay for bedding. For exercise, she frolicked with the dogs at Rye Town Park. One day I counted 15 dogs fighting over the right to sniff her and be with her. We all had so much fun watching families and their dogs trying to figure out what breed of canine they were seeing. Ivy, of course, ate up the attention.
Our little piglet was now growing so rapidly and we knew that one day she would have to leave Rye and move to a farm sanctuary. We had her spade to ensure an adoption and tried to keep her weight down so the transport would be easier. As most pigs do, she always wanted to eat. I believe pigs do that because of their need for affection. She was still growing and growing and growing. The letter came from the City of Rye and it was time for Ivy to go.

Ivy Rose is over 5 years old now, over 800 lbs and living happily with her friend Cheryl and other pigs at the End of the Rainbow Sanctuary for pigs. I visit once a year and she still remembers me. Because of care and unconditional love, Ivy Rose and I remain connected.

– Jill Doornick