More often than not, stray animals and pets wind up at the pound, in hopes that someone will adopt them before the pound gets overcrowded. What this state, and every state, needs is more sanctuaries where animals can be safe and cared for, rather than locked in a cage, hoping to be adopted. And this one sanctuary in West Virginia is doing its part.
PIGS Animal Sanctuary, located in Shepherdstown, is a refuge for abandoned and abused animals. Although specializing in the care of domestic farm pigs, the sanctuary cares for many other animals.
The origins of the sanctuary began in 1985 when a new breed of animal, called the Vietnamese Potbellied Pig, started a trend of breeding multiple varieties of miniature pigs in the world. These "Yuppie Puppies,' as they were called, misled people into thinking they would also exhibit puppy behavior. They did not.
When confined to an apartment or house, they are destructive, and as they grow older, the instinct to challenge other members of their herd for alpha status emerges. Unfortunately, their "herds" are the people living in the house, which leads to aggressive behavior. At the height of their popularity, too many of these pigs were bred and ultimately unwanted.
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Since most animal shelters did not know what to do with these animals, a five-acre sanctuary for them was established in Charles Town in 1992. Later, a 56-acre plot of land was purchased in Sherpherdstown, where the sanctuary currently resides.
But the owners did not limit themselves to caring for pigs. Other animals in need of shelter and care are also accepted.
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There are now 300 animals at the sanctuary, many of which are adoptable. At the sanctuary, the animals are given the freedom to run and play amid the open pastures.
Many of the cats are open for adoption, but until somebody comes to claim them, they live a life of fun and happiness, where they can play and interact with each other.
Although some of the animals who arrive at the sanctuary might be in good health, others are not. Those animals are then given the care they require to return them to a state of health and ultimately, happiness.
