October 2024 News Letter – Pig-A-Sus Homestead

OCTOBER 2024 NEWSLETTER

Well, fall weather & cooler nights are fast approaching and the Potbelly Pigs are letting us know that it’s time for “straw” in their huts. Light mud wallows & sunshine during autumn days; snuggle in straw for nighttime sleep.

We are gearing up for a wet, cold winter this year. Most all huts have been re-vamped and are cozy for 2/3 piggies for buddies. Plus, semi-loads of firewood for heated huts, vet room and physical therapy for arthritic animals in the therapy tub.

We will still fight the “frozen water syndrome” as we have done for the past 28 years. Water is just as important in winter as summer, maybe even more for hydration.

There are, as normal, a lot of things happening at Pig-A-Sus. Some good, some concerning, but most of all we’re trying to stay up to date with health issues, zoning issues, with unethical breeders and change from livestock at the top of the list.

All the potbellies have had a great summer, even with extra high temperatures. Our shade fruit trees are a blessing and finally serving a dual purpose; producing fruit along with water for shallow wallows, and, of course, shade. We are attempting to get 15 more planted in the next few weeks before their roots freeze.

Most of our population {58}, now consist of age 10 up to 17. About a 3rd are experiencing some sorts of health issues, mainly arthritic, long hooves and tusks.

We are looking for volunteers to help with hoof and tusk trims

We have been able to plan ahead with vaccinations and mycoplasma shots given for the fall run. With our economy like it is trending, it has truly been hard to stay on top.

If you have a potbelly pig for a pet, please contact your veterinarian for suggested vaccinations for your area.

Dr. Dunn is very knowledgeable, and his entire staff is amazing. He also welcomes small animals, exotics, and training for dogs. and possibly “rattlesnake” awareness. He offers classes for dogs and hikers to include rattlesnake awareness.

For our local area, we recommend:

Our holiday season this year is going to be very sketchy.
Due to a few circumstances, beyond our control ):

You will need to follow updates on our website: www.pigasus.org
Or, ‘friend’ me on Facebook: Sioux Robbins-Bartels

Come join us for a ‘Halloween Walk-Thru’ to meet the Potbellies

*We will post an agenda on our website.

2 big DOOR PRIZES will be announced in the Halloween Walk-Thru!

With every $100 ‘Feed Fund’ donation for the Potbelly Pigs, you can register for the drawing!

Drawing for the 2 big door prizes will be on:
December 14, 2024 at 3:30pm At Pig-A-Sus Homestead

We will host three special ‘Walk-Thru’ Event
during the upcoming Holiday Season:

*need not be present to win, but we will require contact information when your donation made. Drawing will be made by 3rd party. Online auction ends December 14th at 6:00pm. Please check auction page for details on payment and mailing. Mark your calendars and check web page frequently.

We are, as every year, concerned for corn, mineral, and protein for the feed mix for the Potbelly Pigs. We mix our own feed and grow our own straw. We still depend on local farmers for the purchase of corn to grind and mix.

We are a Working Sanctuary

As a working sanctuary, we have full time jobs outside the sanctuary, which is a full-time job in itself.

Up until COVID-19, we maintained with very few donations and even fewer volunteers. With the economy in a downhill slide and our outside jobs at stake, it is a concerning issue for the sanctuary itself along with animal care and feed. We receive no outside grants or help from other animal organizations.

We have tried for 28 years to be as self-sufficient as possible. We have had several donors that have been very helpful in the construction and the maintaining our goal for “special needs and autistic children.” Plus, our main goal has always been education for the Potbelly Pigs and interaction with humans. It is very difficult after all these years and over 500 Potbelly Pigs thru our doors, to be concerned for the future.

We are offering several new options for children and pig pet owners, where zoning is prohibiting them for companions and house pets.
Gift of virtual owning your unique pet.
In Spring of 2025 we will offer “spend a night” in our new cabins having “Rainbow Bridge” and “Uintah Narrow Railroad” along with maps and history of the area.
As in years past, you will still be able to adopt on-site Potbellies and be able to contribute to their care. You will receive updates on them, and now FaceTime with them!!!

We are attempting new things to try to be able to maintain and continue to care for the unwanted, neglected and “dumped” Potbelly Pigs. We work with animal control locally and in 4 different western states continually to advocate for the Potbelly to change their status from livestock to companion or service animal for elderly and special need persons.

We are adding a new page to the web site called “Remember Me” with stories submitted about Potbelly Pigs and their lives with you and your life without them. Please submit your story or pictures with information to: www.pigasus.org

Please take a moment to check out our sponsor page as we are adding additional sponsors to our list. Small business included.

Health Tips for
all the seasons:

It seems that the seasons are changing daily, no matter where you call home. You see how it affects you as a person, be sure to see how it affects your pet of any species. Treat your pet how you want to be treated.

Enjoy the cool Fall Weather, prepare for the upcoming Winter Weather and know that Spring Weather is only 7 months away.

Be Safe: check your pet if you are in wildfire areas, during harsh winter months and have a plan that includes all your pets.

Smile and Be Thankful,
Pig-A-Sus

Remember the eyes, they tell a story of your pet and its love!

PIG-A-SUS Homestead