For the rest of January, our fundraising partner is Ironwood Pig Sanctuary. This group is dedicated to eliminating the suffering of pot-bellied pigs in Arizona and surrounding states by promoting spaying/neutering, assisting owners and other sanctuaries, and providing a permanent home in a safe, nurturing environment for those that are abandoned, abused, neglected, or unwanted. Located on the outskirts of Tucson (in Marana), there are more than 530 pigs in their care.
In the fall of 2019, the Sheriff’s Department was called to investigate a report about a very thin pig with no shade available and only one filthy bowl for water that was rarely filled. The neighbor who called said the owner never seemed to pay any attention to the poor pig. Thank goodness they stepped up to help him.
This three year old boy is a hog mix, taller than the pot-bellied pigs. Salvador is an active, rambunctious guy that can be really sweet if you can get him to slow down enough to focus on being petted and loved. He seriously seems to be hyperactive and always on the go. Maybe it was his lack of water at his previous home, but he is totally obsessed with dumping all the water bowls in his field numerous times a day…every day! It drives us crazy because it’s time consuming to refill those over and over but also because our water supply is not endless. Because of our rural location we are dependent on our own water wells which do not produce enough water to support a sanctuary of this size. Therefore, we have to haul water in from town in huge water trucks to fill storage tanks. Salvador uses way more than his share of water. All we can do is hope he eventually outgrows that game and keep on refilling bowls in the meantime. Despite all his silly antics and troublesome behaviors during feeding time, everybody loves Salvador. He is definitely a one of a kind guy!
You can help pigs like Salvador by purchasing our one-of-a-kind, handcrafted bracelets. The cost per bracelet is $20, with no tax. These make great gifts any time of year – why not surprise someone special? The best selection is online via Etsy but in Tucson you can also buy bracelets at Fuchsia Spa in La Encantada Shopping Center and Silver Sea Jewelry, in the historic 4th Avenue Shopping District. Silver Sea is now open on Thursdays by appointment only (call or send a private message via Facebook), Friday and Saturday from noon to 6 pm (masks and social distancing required) and Sundays for live online shopping starting at 4 pm (MST). Bracelets are not for sale during live online shopping but other dazzling jewelry is available.
