Sir Grummore came to us with Lilac and Benedick, though all of them lived in separate pens and had never met. Sir Grummore is a sad example of what happens to many “mini pigs:” he was being fed to death. Pigs who live as pets are often fed too much, and this leads to serious health problems. In Sir Grummore’s case, his weight has led to fat blindness, a condition in which the fat on his face has grown to the point that it has obscured his vision. His weight has also caused damage to his joints; when he arrived, he walked slowly and painfully and disliked much movement.
We spent the winter giving him a healthy diet, a warm bed in the heated barn, and a slow introduction to the family. Due to his fat blindness and arthritis, Grummy is easily startled and confused, as when he encounters something new he can’t immediately run from it like his instincts tell him. Though we don’t know if he will ever see as we don’t know the condition of his eyes, over the winter of 2022-23 he lost over 70 pounds, and he has begun to meet some pigs, first through a gate, and then close up. He takes strolls up the barn aisle searching for spilled turkey food, and he can see shapes and colors now. Benny and Grummy get along well, and we will increase his friend group as he gains confidence. We are so proud of how far he’s come, and how this once-terrified boy will now flop down for tummy rubs.
