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National Pig Day
Pigs have been domesticated for thousands of years and range in size and color. Many pigs have become valued pets around the world and are popular in Europe as "truffle hogs." (A pig's keen sense of smell and persistent demeanor has helped farmers in Europe find the elusive truffle, a high-priced fungi that grows beneath the ground.)
Pigs often have the reputation as being dirty and mean-spirited animals, but in reality, pigs are very clean and social. The "dirty" image may have been the result of the way a pig keeps itself comfortable in hot weather. Pigs do not have sweat glands (contrary to the expression, "sweating like a pig...") In order to cool themselves, pigs wallow in the mud, which vaporizes more slowly than water alone. Mud prolongs the cooling process. So is a pig dirty...or is he simply COOL?
PSI member, Diane Venberg, KittyStar Services for Cats, Seattle, WA, has experience with pigs and has visited Pigs Peace Sanctuary in Stanwood, WA. She encourages people to learn more about these interesting creatures.
"Please check out their Web site and if you can't visit personally, you can at least read about all the wonderful pigs who were lucky enough to make it the sanctuary," said Diane. "I took this picture in a 2007 visit to Pigs Peace Sanctuary and the little pig in the photo followed everyone around like a puppy!"
Have you ever visited Pigs Peace Sanctuary, or have a story that you would like to share? Please e-mail us and it may appear in a future e-Newsletter. |
National Pig Day, celebrated annually on March 1, was created by art teacher Ellen Stanley in 1972. Stanley's intent was to create a positive image of pigs as intelligent and social domestic animals.
"I have volunteered at Pigs Peace Sanctuary for many years. The founder, Judy Woods, has rescued pigs from laboratories - pigs that never felt the grass beneath their feet, pigs from slaughterhouses and pigs from people who thought it would be neat to have one as a pet - but really had no idea how to care for it. Judy has dedicated her life to understanding these incredibly intelligent, sensitive beings. Once you start to empathize with these animals, you'll stop viewing them simply as 'livestock' or 'food animals.'