I feel that the bonds that are made between people and animals are more often than not stronger than bonds between people. I feel this even more after the bonds I've seen and made here at Ironwood. We have over 600 pigs here and each and every pig is special in their own way. Of course, though, we all develop special bonds with certain pigs.
We have had a wave of sick pigs lately which has also brought on deaths, either naturally or through euthanization. Each one brings on much emotional pain but also comfort in knowing that our pigs have great lives here at Ironwood and are shown a huge amount of love.
From the first time I met Boris I knew he was a special boy. I was first drawn to him because of his adorable, spotted nose and his big smile. I also had a dog named Boris
pass away a few years ago that was very special to me, so I had a feeling that Boris the pig would also be special. I spent a lot of time with him and spoke of him often. I would brush him and give him extra treats and juice.
He had been battling liver problems for a while and had a rough time this winter. Last week we noticed his stomach was looking bloated
and he just wasn't acting right. Wednesday was my day off so I sat with him and tried to comfort him. He laid his head into my chest as I petted him. The next morning he wouldn't get up, instead he stayed in bed with his teddy bear. Boris was rushed to the vet and we learned that his gallbladder and liver were enlarged. He also had many cysts/tumors/abscesses on and around his liver. Boris had to be euthanized. He was 17.
Boris was shown so much love and attention. We still look towards his pen where he used to stand in the sunlight. He will be missed dearly and never forgotten.
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