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!!

Comments

jaz@octoberfarm said…
how old are mary ann and ginger? what is the lifespan of a pig? why can't our animals live longer???
daisy g said…
Bless those pigs. They seem to give you so much joy. Glad they have had a wonderful life with you and Jack.

Enjoy your picnic. We will be deluged with rain this weekend, and I'm not complaining one bit!
Bless those who gave all for this country. Where would we be without them?
May has been a dry month for us too.

It is such a blessing in how you love and care for your animals. I know they love you as much as you love them. Have you had the piggy gals from their beginning?

Enjoy your weekend! Glad you are feeling better.
Lynne said…
Your “piggy love” always brings me smiles.
Wishing the best for Mary,Ann . . .
And you, happy you are feeling better.

(I wore my “wrap” from you on my trip
to Amsterdam and the Boat Cruise.
Compliments every time I wore it!
Are you making anymore?
I would purchase in a heartbeat!)
THE BEARDED ONE said…
"""YOU""" ARE ONE OF THE GREAT REASONS I ENJOY THESE POST SOOOOOOOOOO VERY MUCH... YOU HAVE A SOFT AND CARING HEART FOR EVERYONE...INCLUDING THE ANIMALS AND IT THRILLS MY OLE HEART THAT YOU CARE SO MUCH...WHETHER IT IS A STRAY DOG OR CAT YOU MAKE SURE THEY HAVE FOOD TO EAT AND GO TO GREAT EXTREMES TO BE SURE THEY GET THAT FOOD..WE RASIED PIGS AS A KID...THEY ALL HAD THEIR WAYS OF SHOWING THEIR EFFECTION OR THEIR DISPLEASURE...EVEN LIVING 80 YEARS OLD...LIFE IS SHORT...BRIEF AND I AM 80 ON THE WAY TO 81...9-14-42...TIME FLYS...THANK YOU FOR A CARING LOVING HEART FOR ALL OF LIFE..EVEN FLOWERS...YOU ARE SURE A GREAT LADY AND HUBBS ""KNOWS"" HE GOT A JEWEL...THANK YOU FOR YOUR CARE AND CONCERN FOR WE READERS...THRILLED THAT YOU ARE FEELING BETTER...KEEP SMILING AND HAVE A TERRIFIC DAY !!!!!
This N That said…
Glad MaryAnn is hanging in there..It's so hard to watch a beloved animal decline..
That Pete..What a ham!!
So glad you are feeling better..
Have a wonderful Memorial day..Enjoy your picnic..Should be a beautiful weekend..No rain in the foreseeable future..Hugs
Wanda Devers said…
Hoping for the best for Mary Ann. I know yall will give her the best care and if you have to let her go it will be as gentle as you can make it. Love that Pete!
Debbie, Timber’s Mom said…
I feel for you with MaryAnn. My heart was on my sleeve when she went downhill but am so glad she rallied round. I have an older kitty with liver issues and was so afraid we would lose her this winter/spring. But some meds and prayers to keep her going have perked her up. My prayers were for her to survive till the ground thawed and we could give her a proper burial. Like Mary Ann, so far so good. Every day is a blessing. When the day comes we both will know it, do the right thing and rejoice in the gift their lives were to us…💕
Sorry to hear you've been feeling sick. Hope you will be in tip top shape soon. So glad that Mary Ann is hanging on too.
Marcia LaRue said…
That upper respiratory stuff is going around,so I am hoping Bev is being treated for it!
Be well soon,Bev!