Animal House: A place of sanctuary

TRURO, N.S. — Charlie’s life was much like a horror film for a while. 
With the treatment he’d received from people it wouldn’t have been surprising if he had not wanted much to do with humans. But today, he’s a happy boy who loves being petted.
When he was a tiny piglet, Charlie spent his time with his littermates and his mother inside a metal crate. The space was so small his mother had a hard time turning around.
After being taken from his mother, Charlie was castrated with a knife, without the use of anesthetic. At the same time his tail was cut off and his front teeth were clipped to the base. 
After he grew a little bigger, Charlie was purchased by someone in southern Nova Scotia. He then spent his time alone in a pen exposed to the elements and filled with feces. During the winter, feces froze to his body, causing open sores to form.
When efforts were made to rescue Charlie, he was unable to walk. His leg had broken and was never treated. It took six volunteers and special equipment to move the pig to North Mountain Animal Sanctuary.
Charlie’s demeanour changed as soon as he got to the sanctuary, where there was another pig, heat and a clean barn. Herbal salves also helped him heal. 
Charlie is now a friendly pig who weighs more than 500 pounds. 
My daughter and I recently drove to the sanctuary, to deliver a hen, and had the opportunity to meet Charlie. Stretched out on his side, he soaked up the love.
Wiggly, who also lives at the sanctuary, is more active. She energetically greeted us when we approached her pen, urging us to give her attention.
Prince is the newest pig at the sanctuary. He came from Prince Edward Island in early November. He’s already made friends with Charlie.
The pigs aren’t the only animals on the property. There are also goats, sheep, rabbits, hens, roosters, turkeys and ducks. Many of them would no longer be alive without people like Amanda Dainow and Leif Vernest, who run the sanctuary. The couple spends much their time caring for the animals and the property, and Amanda uses some of the herbal products she makes to treat the animals. Their property is a wonderful place, filled with a peaceful spirit.
If you’re looking for a giving gift idea, consider sponsoring an animal or making a donation to the sanctuary. It is a registered charity and tax receipts will be provided. For more information, check out the website at http://nmas.ca/
Buying Singing Nettles products from Amanda also helps the animals. They can be found online at http://www.singingnettles.ca/