Fall Newsletter
Pig-A-Sus Homestead Sanctuary
Senior Potbelly Pig Rescue • Western Colorado • Fall 2026
Welcome to Pig-A-Sus
Welcome to the fall newsletter for Pig-A-Sus Homestead Sanctuary for senior potbelly pigs.
If you are reading this newsletter, you may already know that we are located in a small, rural community in Western Colorado near the Utah border. Pig-A-Sus has called this area home since 1996, and our sanctuary, rescue, and education center has been here since 1998. What began as a vacant piece of land and a personal hobby has grown into nearly 30 years of service.
We chose this rural location so we would never have to make the difficult decision to move this vital organization. We have never had a tremendous amount of financial help or grant funding. It began with a husband who simply said, “If this is what you want, then this is what we will do.” His hobbies were rebuilding old muscle cars and raising livestock, and we both held good jobs over the years. That support became incredibly important because, by 2001, this “hobby” had become a full-time commitment. It has been scary at times, but we have never regretted it.
Growing With Their Needs
More Than 400 Pigs
As time progressed, so did the need for bigger and better things at the sanctuary. We have made an amazing number of friends, and more than 400 potbelly pigs have passed through our gates over the years—thankfully, only in manageable numbers at any one time.
We focus on senior animals, pigs with special needs, and keeping space available for emergencies. Pig-A-Sus was also created so adults and children with special needs can experience meaningful contact with these unique and loving animals.
Specialized Care
Our facilities have grown to include hydrotherapy for seniors living with arthritis, injuries, or weight concerns; an on-site veterinary clinic; and radiant-floor-heated huts for pigs with extreme special needs during Colorado winters.
During the last five years, we also added our “Red Barn Section.” We purchased two large red barns so the potbelly pigs could share roomy winter shelter. The pigs had other ideas—they preferred their familiar huts, chosen companions, and comfortable daily routines!
From Red Barns to Rustic Cabins
After plenty of deliberation, we found a new purpose for the barns. Crazy? Maybe—but you need a little bit of craziness when you live and work with potbelly pigs!
Uinta Railroad Cabin
Designed around the story of the famous Uinta Railroad, its steam engines, Baxter Pass, and the Atchee Roundhouse of the early 1900s. It honors a rugged chapter of local history shaped by railroad families, workers, and Ute people.
Children & Rainbow Bridge Cabin
Created for children, pets, and the story of Rainbow Bridge. Children may place their pet’s name on the Golden Stairs to Rainbow Bridge while learning about the life and loving nature of potbelly pigs.
- Cabins accommodate approximately four to six guests.
- Maximum stay of three nights.
- Cost-efficient stays are offered through a donation to Pig-A-Sus.
- Rustic accommodations with semi-accessible facilities; accessibility improvements are ongoing.
- Enjoy everyday farm life, wildlife experiences, and time with the potbelly pigs.
Fall Events at the Homestead
Pig-A-Sus is a working rescue and sanctuary. We host several events each year to help cover upkeep, feed, veterinary care, and essential supplies. Come enjoy the homestead while helping our pigs through the winter months.
Annual Yard Sale
9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
- Lunch available from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Treats available for the potbelly pigs.
- Meet the Pig-A-Sus crew.
- Shop the sale and help support sanctuary needs.
Halloween Open House
1:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
- Wear your spookiest costume—judging begins at 6:00 p.m.
- Bring your funniest pumpkin-face design for pumpkin carving.
- Cake walks at 2:00, 4:00, and 6:00 p.m.
- Spook house—it gets spookier as it gets darker!
- Games, food, drinks, nachos, and piggy treats.
- Soft-serve cones, sundaes, and root beer floats.
All donations go directly toward feed, water, and medical care for potbelly pigs through the winter. With a $25 donation, you can register for our door-prize drawing.
Christmas Holiday Schedule
Please follow us online for event updates and all the latest happenings at Pig-A-Sus. Our Christmas holiday schedule and November activities will be posted on November 1, 2026.
Questions or Ideas?
We are always open to suggestions for new events. If you have questions about the organization or would like to help, please reach out.
Thank You for Your Support
I personally want to thank everyone who continues to support Pig-A-Sus.
Whether you contribute financially, volunteer your time, run errands, listen to another crazy idea, or help with the all-important poop-scooping detail, you make this work possible. Your kindness helps us continue caring for senior and special-needs potbelly pigs every day.
In Loving Memory of Sally Lowe
Please say a prayer for the family of Sally Lowe. Sally was a volunteer who did whatever was needed, from “piggy poop detail” to speaking up for the unique potbelly pig. May you and Ron continue your journey together and greet all those potbelly pigs waiting at Rainbow Bridge. You are both deeply missed by everyone at Pig-A-Sus.
Our Work Continues
We are still accepting placements in emergency situations and working to promote the potbelly pig as a service and companion animal. We will never stop this part of our mission.
During our holiday events, we will be reaching out in Mesa County, Colorado, with a petition concerning the classification of swine of any breed as livestock. Your signature would be a tremendous help.
It would mean so much to know that people still care about an animal once dismissed as a fad of the 1970s and 1980s. With love and understanding, potbelly pigs can become wonderful household pets and unique service or companion animals for children and adults with special needs.
Have a blessed holiday season—and help someone in need, even if it is simply with a smile or a friendly, “Hi, how is your day going?”
Remember to Spay and Neuter Your Pet
We never want the potbelly pig to be treated as a “financial-gain pet” or become part of a puppy-mill-style operation.
Spay and neuter for a happier, healthier pet—no matter the make or model.
Around the Homestead
News & Updates
Check our website for updates about the cabins, bathhouse, accessibility projects, volunteer opportunities, winter needs, new sponsors, and health tips.
Rescue work is like the weather—it changes daily: drought, snow, rain, flooding, and wildlife all become part of the story.
Rainbow Bridge: Thunder Rolls—“Thumper’s Legacy”
Cabins & Local Adventures
Our cabins are available for special events in the area. The region is becoming a hub for dirt-bike riding, bicycling and endurance events, horseback riding, ATV adventures, rock hunting, dinosaur tracking, and seasonal hunting.
We offer secure camera-monitored parking and fresh water from the Ute Water District. If you are looking for something special or an alternative to tent living, give us a call—we may be able to help.
Rattlesnake Safety: Check Before You Travel
This summer, for the first time, not one but two travelers and their dogs stopped at Pig-A-Sus while seeking emergency veterinary care for rattlesnake bites. We contacted one of our trusted veterinarians, who teaches spring rattlesnake-safety classes, carries antivenom for animal bites year-round, and is available on weekends around the clock.
Please research emergency veterinary options before traveling with your pets. Know whom to call, check the weather, and check your fuel gauge. Your pet is a valuable companion, and preparation can save a life.
Pig-A-Sus Homestead
Senior Potbelly Pig Rescue • Sanctuary • Education