Hog Haven Farm is so honored to have made #1 on the Gratitude Meter in the September 2015 edition of O, The Oprah Magazine. Check it out!
Potbellied pigs make Oprah Magazine Gratitude Meter!
Therapy Pig Program
Why pigs? And other answers to other questions.
At Hog Haven Farm, we get asked a lot of questions. Sure, it isn’t every day you meet people who are determined to do everything they can to support, rescue, educate and service the community with potbellied pigs. Many of the questions we are asked are centered around the bathroom habits of pigs–and the rest comparing pigs to dogs. People need a reference point to understand the connection of pigs as pets–and here is the answer to our most frequently asked question: Why Pigs?
Let’s talk first about the concept of keeping domesticated animals as companions–i.e. pets–in our homes. Psychological studies over the last decade have agreed that there are both physical and psychological benefits of maintaining a human-animal relationship. Research suggests that keeping a pet can reduce stress, lower heart rate and blood pressure, reduce depression, loneliness and isolation, and increase social interactions and connections with those who have similar pets. Whether it be a typical household pet–such as a dog, cat, or bird–or an exotic pet, the bond between humans and companion animals is undeniable.
Status update on Mr. Pumba
It’s been a while since we’ve posted anything about our rescue pig, Pumba, so we thought we’d share a little about how this fella is doing!
Pigs as Therapy Pets
In April of 2014, we were approached by a memory care facility in Littleton, CO about the possibility of bringing the pigs in as therapy pets for the residents. Many of these residents are in different stages of Alzheimer’s or demensia, and of course we leaped at the opportunity to bring happiness to the facility! Starting in May, Pippy and Boris started visiting the facility on weekends. It has been an incredibly rewarding experience; the reception of visiting potbelly pigs has been incredibly positive, and Pippy and Boris thoroughly enjoy their weekly visits.Our pigs are very well behaved; they are both potty trained, and are incredibly social with strangers. This makes them a great fit for visits to the facility!
During these one hour visits, Pippy and Boris get lots of attention, snacks, and extra belly rubs. It’s a wonderful feeling seeing the faces of the residents light up when the pigs come to visit! Pippy even dresses up on occasion, guaranteeing an extra smile (and sometime a treat!) from the residents. We are in process of setting up the pigs as therapy pets in other facilities, and welcome the idea of bringing them to schools and other organizations in the future. There are plenty of senior living facilities dotted across towns and cities, like The Chelsea Center (chelseaseniorliving.com/locations/new-york/plainview/), and it would be wonderful to have the pigs visit as many as possible to provide some much-needed connection for the elders living there (and our piggies too!). Education is key, and at Hog Haven Farm, we are dedicated to inspiring others to not only help these wonderful animals, but to teach others about how well suited potbelly pigs are as a family pet.
Currently, Pippy and Boris are not officially certified as therapy animals. With our community service hours growing, and consistently good bills of health from the vet, we are looking to have them certified by the end of 2014. If you or your organization would like Hog Haven Farm to pay a visit, please contact us at [email protected] today!