Paul Senior passed away yesterday. He was seventeen years old. In the last few months, Paul had been a shadow of his former self. He had dropped a lot of weight, lost most of his sight and just didn’t want to move any more. It was his time, we felt we had to say goodbye. Paul was put to sleep by our vet with all his friends close. Roosters crowing, ducks quacking, piggy friends grunting. Jamie and I by his side.
A late-in-life rescue
Paul arrived at the sanctuary in winter 2021 as a spritely thirteen year old pig. His family could no longer care for him so he made his forever home here. At thirteen, Paul was well deep into midlife when he joined us at the sanctuary. He was content to eat, sleep and go for his regular walks. Paul was definitely a creature of routine. I always imagined he would fit in a round of golf each Sunday morning if he could.
On our sanctuary tour days, Paul always loved meeting and greeting our visitors. He adored the fuss, apples and the belly rubs. But, the moment he was done with us humans, he retired to his room for a snooze and some “me time”
Best room-mates with Bubbles
Paul shared the house paddock and shelter with Bubbles who, as most of you know is a very spoilt, and often cantankerous pig. Paul paid no heed to Bubbles’s protests about sharing her room. He was either oblivious to her complaints or just didn’t give a hoot. Paul just literally bowled on through, made himself comfortable in the straw bedding and that was that. In time, they became the best roomies. Truly bonded.
Thank you Paul
So Paul, thank you for all your love and friendship. You are so badly missed by us all.
If you’d like to help more animals like Paul find love and care, please consider donating in his memory. Every donation keeps our gates open to rescues who need us most.
