I Left My Heart in Howell, NJ

by Mary Furnell, Thornhill, Ontario, Canada

The following is an unsolicited accounting of Mary's visit to Pigtailz Junction on August 17, 1999.

I found out I was going to be in New Jersey a couple of days before I left. It happened to be the Friday that Marty and Mary Ann went to Pigstock so I had no way to get in touch with them. I flew out on Sunday and wrote them an e-mail message on Monday that I was in NJ. I didn't hear from them so I thought I was out of luck. Tuesday morning, I got a message from Marty telling me to come down and see them. Needless to say, I was thrilled. Marty and Mary Ann have helped me so much with Peanut and I have been buying supplies from them ever since I got her. I was really excited to get there and finally meet them in person. The lure of over 50 piggies was pretty strong too!

You can't fake that smile! Mary is quite pleased
to meet 54 piggies all at one time. Daisy was
one of the first pigs to come up and greet her.


Floyd (left) and Cleo (right) are just as happy to meet Mary, too! After all, she brought apples!

 


Mary Ann & Mary prepare apples for
the 54 piggies at Pigtailz Junction.


 The traffic was really terrible but I managed to get there in just over an hour. It seemed to take forever because I was so excited! Marty met me just off the highway and I followed him to the sanctuary. Good thing because I would have been totally lost! When we arrived, we went right inside to see the pigs. I was so impressed with the whole set up. Pigtailz Junction is clean and beautifully organized! There are paths all around the pens and sweet little piggie greeters! I was welcomed by about 8 lovely piggies who were not at all shy to come and see me. Marty introduced me to all of them by name and told me a little about them. These pigs are the indoor/outdoor pigs. I was in heaven! We then went around the pool (totally fenced in) and got to the big herd pen. Marty again introduced me to the pigs all by name and told me about some of them. He warned me to stay away from Willy as he is the Alpha pig and not always welcoming to strangers. The pigs were so beautiful! I loved each of them. Mary Ann came out of the house asking if "Peanut's Mommy" was here! I was so happy to meet her as well. We talked pig and I heard all about the pigs living at the sanctuary. Some of the stories were so sad but let me tell you, seeing the wonderful set up and the excellent care that these pigs get, all of the stories had a happy ending. Sometimes, I can't believe how cruel a human can be to an animal but knowing that an abused animal can end up in the caring hands of Marty and Mary Ann makes it easier to hear the stories.
I have never seen pigs in a herd like they are at the sanctuary. I know how my pig behaves and believe me, the pigs there behave so much better. We left three bags of apples on a table while we went to see the Ossabaws (in another pen). No one tried to get at the apples. While Mary Ann cut the apples in half, everyone waited patiently with no crying, squeeling or fighting. I was amazed. Marty and Mary Ann let me feed the pigs myself. It was an unbelievable sight to see. Each pig waited their turn and carefully took the half an apple from my hand and then retreated to let another pig have their treat. I was shocked. Peanut would have been all over me until all the treats were gone before she left. These pigs were content with one treat and then waited calmly and patiently in case there were more treats. I fed each pig that came to me and tried to throw apples to the pigs who were shy. It became confusing to me who had had a treat and who hadn't. Marty helped me then and we ended up sniffing pigs to see if they smelled like apple or not!!! Hahahaha!!! You do what you have to in order to make sure all is fairly divided!


Mary offers a piece of apple to Truffles, a Kunekune, as Fred watches from behind her.

 


Mary meets Maui, and after they looked at each other, we think a long friendship began tonite.


Mary offers some apple to a blind Danny.

 I have to tell you about Maui. She is such a beautiful and trusting animal that just the thought of her brings tears to my eyes. She has arthritis in her legs from living in an apartment and not getting exercise. She has the most beautiful blue eyes that look right into your heart. My heart broke to hear her cries as she tried to stand and walk. She did though. Her determination was so strong. I went into her pen with a half an apple for her. I knew that she was in pain and therefore approached her slowly and talking to her softly. She never retreated or seemed threatened at all. Most animals in pain are somewhat aggressive to strangers and those they don't know they can trust. I gave Maui her apple which she gently accepted and ate. She could only eat half and I picked up the other half and put it in her mouth. I stroked her as she ate and talked to her. She just looked up at me with her beautiful eyes and connected with me in a way I don't think I can describe. She stole my heart in that moment. I will never forget her sweet face and her gentle nature. This is one special pig. I am so glad that Marty and Mary Ann found her and I am relieved that they are taking such good care of her. (Marty - I want to sponsor her if we can arrange that. I will write you privately so we can make some arrangements)
I know this is really long but I have to tell you about some other piggies that made their marks on my heart. Truffles is a little Kunekune pig that was never far from my feet. She actually stood on my feet leaning on my legs as I was looking into the big herd's pen. She ran through my legs as I was talking to other pigs and she cried at the gate to come into where we were looking at the Ossabaws. She is such a little showboat! Her spunky personality is hilarious and she is a lovely little girl! Freddy is another ham of a pig. He tried to be shy at first but ended up on his side for belly rubs many times. He has a lovely face and a kind heart. Pearl is a cute pink pig who's head is shaped like a bull terrier's. I grew up with a wonderful bull terrier named Monty and I think that they are beautiful

All the pigs took their apple gently, well - except
for Truffles - who we shall say is "overzealous".

dogs. Pearl reminded me of him and she was just as gentle. The Ossabaw pigs were fascinating and so different from the pots. They are very protective of the pots though. One of the pigs got his tusk caught in the fence while I was there. The alpha pig "Willy" stood by the caught pig and tried to calm him. The Ossabaws were making this barking noise that MaryAnn explained was their "concerned" noise. They continued to make the noise long after the pig was free. They are very gentle and caring animals. There are so many more pigs there that I could describe to you but I have rambled on enough for now. I can't wait until I can get back to New Jersey. I don't care how long the drive is to get to Pigtailz Junction, I will do it. I had the greatest time there and I have Marty and Mary Ann to thank for allowing me into their home and sanctuary.

Mary (who now knows that there is a little piece of Heaven in Howell, New Jersey!)