Dining Al Fresco

Every afternoon, we feed the pigs some chow for their lunch.   In the past, in summertime, when they are out grazing for much of the day, we would forgo this afternoon meal.  But for the past year, MaryAnn has been losing weight so I am making sure she gets adequate nutrition in addition to grazing.  It's difficult to feed one pig without feeding the other because pigs are completely focussed on eating.  So, I give a smaller helping to Ginger (who is nice and plump) and a larger helping to MaryAnn.

Lately, Ginger has been requesting her meal in the front pasture.

  This works out great as it gives MaryAnn the ability to eat her meal in peace.  Normally, there is a little squabbling that goes on at meal time as these two keep swapping bowls to make sure the other isn't getting something better.  (They both receive the same meal... chow, with carrot pieces on top.)

In case you are wondering why MaryAnn is losing weight... it's a bit of a long story that began a little over a year ago.  Last August, she stopped eating for a few days and was very lethargic.  The vet concluded (because of some other symptoms that she was having) that she most likely had a cancer.  It was such a close call that we had had a grave dug for her.  

With what seemed like sheer force of will, MaryAnn seemed to rally.  We never thought she would make it through the winter.  And amazingly, she is still with us. 

 

It makes me sad to see how much weight she has lost... especially when I compare her to her sister, Ginger.  But, she doesn't seem to be suffering.  She eats all of her meals.  She always runs to the treat box when she hears the gator coming.  And she spends time out in the pasture each day.

So, we keep a close eye on her, give her extra treats, and enjoy every moment that we have with her.  She truly is my spirit animal.  We are best buddies and I am happy for all of the wonderful years we have enjoyed together.  I have assured her that whenever life gets too difficult for her, that it's ok for her to let go.  And if the day comes that I think she is suffering, I will call the vet.

I love this pig!

Quite often, when I am out doing chores, Pete will climb the dry lot fence to get my attention.   He loves affection and always puts himself front and center.

With a quick leap, he hits the middle of the fence, 

then pulls himself up over the top.

I'm pretty sure he knows he's photogenic!

Sorry for my absence yesterday.  I have been fighting an upper respiratory infection this week, and Wednesday found me running out of steam.   I have definitely turned the corner now.

We are having a Memorial Day picnic on Sunday in our picnic pavilion.  Let the summer fun begin!!