Ralphy - Pig of a Lifetime

Ralphy drove into my life in the back of a Ford Flex on March 29th 2013 - Good Friday.  He was the best present the Easter Bunny has ever brought me.  Ralphy was a handsome, male pot-bellied pig and everything a PBP should be.  He had none of the physical issues that normally bring PBPs to us - he was perfect.  Ralphy quickly stole my heart and became one of my best friends.  There was nothing I loved more than running around with him playing, teaching him special tricks, or just lying down to give him a belly rub or a cuddle.  Our connection was instant and I will never forget how he came right up to me after moving into his new digs and planted a kiss on me!  I love all of my animals, but I knew instantly that Ralphy was special and had been sent to me for a special purpose.

Around the same time Ralphy arrived, I was struggling to cope with some of the behaviours the child I worked with was exhibiting.  Many of you will know that I work with children on the Autism Spectrum and the little girl to whom I had been assigned, was recently diagnosed and struggling to integrate into a regular daycare class.  Enter Ralphy, who quite bizarrely started demonstrating the same behaviours as the little girl.  I joked with Kris that Ralphy had been sent to me to help me learn how to cope with the challenges I was experiencing and help he did.  I was able to change my approach and successfully help her to have an enjoyable experience at daycare with her peers.  I will forever be indebted to Ralphy for showing me the way.  The little girl is now heading to school and my job with her was done on Friday.  Could it be that Ralphy felt he had done his job and taught me all I needed to know?

Ralphy was a favourite of all visitors to BMM and I have received more messages about him than any other animal in my care.  The out-pouring of support we received in the past few days as he battled to survive has been overwhelming and meant so much.  He brought many new people to visit and generated much support for the sanctuary.  In April, Ralphy made a wonderful new friend, Sam and showed me he was ready to start working with some of our younger visitors.  He has touched many of their lives in such a positive way and demonstrated to me the wonderful, therapeutic nature of pigs.

In August, Ralphy participated in our Vision Workshop.  Although I am very familiar with the wisdom and love pigs have to offer us, many people do not understand this.  I was so proud of Ralphy for drawing in one of our participants who after a magical, heartfelt meeting with Ralphy, commented on how grounded and supported she felt while being with him :)

Last year we lost one of our horses suddenly.  Commander left us two days after my Grandma passed away.  Everyone said he had gone to be with her.  On Sunday my Nana passed away and on Monday Ralphy went to be with her.  My Nana was one of the most fun people I know and I always said she was good for a laugh!  She could not have picked a more worthy travelling partner than Ralphy - they will laugh and play on their journey together.

I am a better person for having had Ralphy in my life and he has pointed me in the direction I need to go both on a personal level and with BMM.  There are so many wonderful pigs out there that are misunderstood and abandoned or given away when they become adults because people simply do not realise what they are getting into.  A PBP lives for around 15 years, averages 150-200lbs as an adult, and loves to root!  They do not make the best house pets unless in a very experienced home.

In honour of Ralphy, we will be starting "Ralphy's Retreat: A Sanctuary for Pot Bellied Pigs".  It will operate out of Bella Misty Meadows Animal Sanctuary and provide a place for any pot belly who has nowhere else to go.  All of the pigs at BMM are involved in our workshops and work with children on the Autism Spectrum.  We are committed to educating the public and we will be offering school groups and community groups the opportunity to visit us and our residents.

 

Ralphy left us far too young, but the gifts he leaves us with will stay with us forever.  We will miss you Ralphy Roo, but know you will always be in our hearts and never far from our minds as we carry out your legacy.

Ralphy

 My Hero and Best Friend

March 14th 2012 - August 26th 2013

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.

Mary Elizabeth Frye