Woman Explains How One Tiny Piglet Inspired Her to Open a Sanctuary

The U.S. produces 11 percent of the world's pork, and in 2022, more than 2.5 million metric tons of pork was exported, meaning there are numerous animals that many people believe are in need of rescuing.

One such lucky animal is Maybelle the pig, who was rescued by Tiffany Paltauf, 27, and who became the inspiration for Sleepy Pig Farm Animal Sanctuary, a non-profit organization in Granville, New York.

"I started Sleepy Pig Farm Animal Sanctuary when I came across a small farm and saw the horrible conditions that the pigs were living in. I saw many deceased piglets there too," Paltauf told Newsweek. "I was able to rescue one of the piglets at just 2 days old. That moment changed my life, and that was when I decided to dedicate my life to rescuing and rehabilitating farmed animals.

"Maybelle was the first pig I ever saved. She was living in filth in a cement pit with other pigs. Many were deceased," Paltauf added. "I was able to work out a deal with the farmer, and he allowed me to rescue her and bring her home. I nursed her back to health. She was only 2 days old and, to the day, she is thriving in our care."

In a video posted to the sanctuary's Instagram, Paltauf can be seen affectionately cleaning Maybelle's face in her pen, while the pig makes relaxed grunting noises, before reaching her face up to touch hers.

"POV [point of view]: you spend your Sunday evening cleaning one of your rescued pigs face where she got stitches and she gives you a kiss to say 'thank you' afterwards," reads the caption.

"Maybelle received stitches at the farm due to an injury that occurred outside in the pasture. We aren't sure if she got into a disagreement with another pig or scratched her face on a tree or a rock in the pasture," said Paltauf. "We noticed Maybelle's wound immediately and had our veterinarian out to give her stitches. Thankfully, she has healed beautifully!"

Pigs have surprising intelligence, according to the Humane Society. Its experts say that "studies have found they're smarter than dogs and even 3-year-old children! In the wild, pigs form small groups that typically include a few sows and their piglets. Mother pigs and their babies stay close until the piglets mature; they even prefer to sleep snout-to-snout or snuggled up together."

Paltauf said that pigs are misunderstood animals. "They are such intelligent and complex beings that require constant care and attention. In all the ways that matter, they are no different than dogs or cats."

Multiple welfare issues have been highlighted surrounding the intensive rearing of pigs for meat, especially the issue of pregnant sows.

"In much of the world, it is common for a pregnant sow to be kept in a sow stall (also called a 'gestation crate') for the whole of her 16-week pregnancy," says Compassion in World Farming. "A sow stall is a metal cage, usually with a bare concrete/slatted floor, which is so narrow that the sow cannot turn around, and she can only stand up and lie down with difficulty."

"The short lives they life are terrible and scary and unfair," said Paltauf of farmed pigs, "It is easy for people to turn a blind eye when it comes to farmed animals. We are taught that farmed animals are here for food, but when you learn about their different personalities and how loving and kind they are, you will find that they are so deserving of living a long, beautiful life at sanctuary.

"We live in a non-vegan world, animal products and by-products line the shelves at grocery stores, and on restaurant menus. We have normalized eating animals, so sanctuaries strive every day to show the public that animals are here with us and not for us," added Paltauf.

Users on TikTok were full of compassion for Maybelle.

"This is precious. Thank you for taking such good care of your animals!" wrote one user.

"I just saw a post of pigs being murdered for consumption. The next one is yours. Showing the choice we humans choose how to treat animals," commented another.

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