His name is Benji and he’s a 2-ish year old Guinea Hog. He is the SWEETEST boy you have ever met and he absolutely loves belly rubs. We suspect he lived only on corn in his past life, and he is slowly coming to enjoy actual pig food, veggies, and other healthy treats. He is smaller than our other pigs but some good nutrition will go a long way. Everyone here at the sanctuary absolutely loves him. Benji, you are safe and loved and celebrated for who you are. Welcome to Ahimsa.

New pig Benji is having nooo problem settling in. He’s trying new foods like tomatoes and carrots, rooting up every square inch of his quarantine pen, and loving belly rubs from the humans here! Something tells me he’s going to be just fine.

I spy... a warm and cozy cutie!

Pigs, just like cats and dogs and humans, have their favorite people. Benji loves belly rubs from just about anyone, but when Garry climbs in his quarantine pen, Benji flops right over in preparation! These two are a match made in muddy heaven.

Benji’s got all he needs today - sunshine, snuggles and snacks.

This sweet boy upgraded to a bigger, greener pasture with a bigger, softer sleeping area. He is trying new foods almost weekly, and his likes include carrots, watermelon, Cheerios, and tomatoes. He doesn’t love green pepper and will never be hungry enough for celery. 😂 Now his days are filled with rooting, napping, snacking, laying in the shade and living his best life!

Sunday afternoons with Benji

It is a privilege to love a pig. And it is a privilege to have their trust in return. Benji is one of a kind, and my dad’s relationship with him spawned so much change in the way my dad views non-human animals. He stopped eating meat, and started buying cheese made from nuts. He realized that they are all so very similar, all deserving of the same compassion we offer our “pets.” I wish everyone could have a relationship like this. Just a man, and a pig, and a whole new perspective. Change is possible.

The days are long, the nights are cool, and it’s perfect belly-rubbin weather! Benji is always down for a good scratch.

It feels like -27 outside but the birds have been locked inside their heated coops, the cats are the lucky bums that always have climate control, and the pigs have an absolute ton of fresh and fluffy straw to burrow into. I think it’s safe to say Benji is comfortable. He was snoozing so hard I had to wake him up for dinner.