On an uncomfortably hot afternoon in late summer of 2018, a friend and I arrived at the property to look at land for sale, hoping it would fit the bill to create a sanctuary. Upon arrival, we found out from the agent that the property had been used as a small-scale "farm to table" type facility. Pigs, goats and other small animals had been raised and slaughtered right here on the property. Like a real-time horror show, as he explained this to us, the property immediately showed its dark side. We began opening doors and came across remains of animals, decomposing birds, cutting tools and bone saws. Blood stained the walls and the windows were barricaded, letting in no light. The smell of death and urine was so great in some areas it was overwhelming. A deep chill went through me. So deep, I shuddered at the thought of its awful past. 

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The agent mentioned that there might be some animals still here, a pig maybe. I insisted we find him immediately. That is when I meet Arthur, a beautiful 3 1/2 month old piglet, who was locked in a holding pen with no fresh food or

water, and no mother in sight. He came right to me, looking me in the face as if to ask my intentions. I knew it immediately, "I am not leaving without this pig." Once the agent realized I was completely serious, we negotiated with

the owner to surrender him to me.

 

Then and there I knew this was the place. It felt as if all of the animals, past and present on this property, were calling to us in that moment and asking us to help them. Arthur was their face, their voice. We knew we could do just that. And so, the journey began. Arthur's Acres now stands, no longer a negative place, but one with an abundance of love, kindness, positivity and compassion.

 

Arthur, who was the last pig to be threatened with death at this place, is the first pig to receive sanctuary here. The place where Arthur was meant to die young and afraid will be the place where he learns to live, to love, and be loved in return. He will welcome new friends, he will be a teacher, he will grow old here, and finally, he will die in his own bed surrounded by people who love him.

 

I am up for the challenge, and I am lucky to have the support to help me do just that. There is a huge amount of work to be done, and we cannot do it with passion alone. Can you help make our dreams come true, for Arthur and for all the others out there waiting for help?