This post is difficult, but it’s important. Today, our hearts are broken for a pig we never had the chance to meet.
On our way home from purchasing hay for our animals, we noticed a small, motionless shape in the middle of the highway. Before even slowing down and stopping, we knew what we’d come across… a pig that had fallen off of a truck and was lying in the middle of the road.
Barb and I stopped the truck and quickly jumped out to try to help him, but it was unfortunately too late. Earlier today, this pig was packed into a truck with hundreds of others, very likely on their way to be slaughtered. For reasons unknown, he fell out of the truck as it drove down the highway. This is where he died.
Before this gentle soul ever had the chance to experience love and compassion, his life was over. We don’t know where he came from or his full story. BUT, we were able to ensure that someone treated him with dignity in death.
We Named Him Gabriel
He deserved a name and dignity. We gave him a name, Gabriel, and his final resting place will be here at Hercules’ Haven. We hope that his spirit will live on among the other animals that have found safe haven here, and that his memory will be a constant reminder to our supporters, our volunteers, and to every visitor that most farm animals in Iowa are not treated with love and compassion and that is why our work is so very important.
