Tiny Willa
Willa is a tiny potbellied piglet. She’s smaller in stature that most cats. She’s full of spunk and as cute as can be, and she arrived here at SASHA Farm a few days ago.
Willa’s story is similar to those of many of our potbellies. A trendy pet in the 90’s, potbellies are often purchased by well meaning people who quickly realize that keeping a pig is much different than keeping a dog or a cat. They are prey animals by nature and tend to strongly dislike being picked up and held. They are independent thinkers and rarely care if their behavior pleases their new humans. They tear up lawns in search of edibles, and love nothing more than a mud hole on a hot day. These tendencies do not make for clean, easy house pets.
Somewhere in the Pacific Northwest, a breeder is producing high priced designer pigs, selectively bred to be as small as possible. They are raised on a diet that is intended to further limit their growth. Willa was purchased as gift for a busy mother who just didn’t have the time to socialize and care for a piglet along with her small children, and she decided that the best place for Willa to be is among others of her own kind.
The dilemma for us is that Willa is so tiny that she could easily be hurt by our larger potbellies, so we’ve been brainstorming some housing solutions that with both make her happy, and keep her safe. For now, she’s living in the people barn, so next time you visit, bring a grape or two and introduce yourself to the cutest little piglet around!
August 1st, 2008 at 9:51 pm
That pig is so cute and adorable I want to pinch her potbellied pig cheeks!
I don’t know alot about pigs and such, but maybe you could seperate part of the pig barn to her? That what I did when my hamsters didn’t get along.
August 6th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
Willa found a home??
Oh noooooo!
I mean, GREAT for Willa, but horrible for everyone who fell madly in love with her (myself included). She will be missed.
I think I can speak for all when I say, “We demand updates (with photos!) from the new family!”
=)
August 8th, 2008 at 11:26 am
Yes, Willa has found a home! We will be picking her up on August 18th. I cannot wait to bring her home and love her to pieces. I have been reading a lot and learning about how to take care of her. I have already bought her so many things. She is going to be a beautiful addition to our family.
Stacy
August 8th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
I will definitely keep everyone updated with pictures and stories about tiny Willa. I will also bring her to the Farm for visits. No worries, you’ll still get to see her.
Stacy
August 18th, 2008 at 8:44 am
Today is the big day! We pick her up late this afternoon
Stacy
August 19th, 2008 at 11:12 am
Willa had a great first night in her new home. She has a cute little pink bed but we could only get her in half way before she laid down from all the petting and scratching. She then settled in and slept in her ‘litter pan’ the whole night.
She is now busy smelling and learning her new environment. She is so sweet. Olivia is absolutely thrilled and has really taken charge of her care. I will send pictures soon.
Stacy
August 19th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
What a lucky girl Willa is!
Olivia showed me her adorable pink carrier, her new bed, and a few of her new toys last night.
I’m glad she found such a great home! She will obviously be very loved.