SPENCER, Iowa (KTIV) -
Traditional tales regarding pigs have them running from wolves, or heading to market. This one has a happier ending, even if it starts a bit sad.
Veterinarian, Dr. Thomas Beall, typically deals with dogs and the like at Homestead Small Animal Practice. But last month, while working late, a first.
"I heard a knock at my door. So, I went up to the front. Here was a client that was holding this pig, and was all full of blood," said Beall.
The client said she found the poor piggy after it was tossed from a truck driving in front of her. She turned around, grabbed the sad swine, and brought it to doctor Beall.
"The pig was sneezing blood, had a bunch of bruises on its snout, rump, and shoulder," said Beall.
It looked like the animal wasn't going to make it, and pigs aren't really Beall's deal. He suggested another vet's office in town. They were unavailable, so he took another look.
"Listened to its heart and lungs, looked pretty good. So, I thought: 'Well, we'll give it a shot'," said Beall.
Weeks later he's happy he did. "Charlotte" is almost entirely healed. Plus, this little piggy has found a home with one of Beall's assistants.
"Our family has a farm. We've done hogs for a long time. So why not?" said Veterinarian Assistant Amy Orwig.
It's a good thing Orwig's got practice with porkers because, while Charlotte is cute and tiny now, she's going to get bigger.
"My guess is she'll end up being at least 250 to 300 pounds," said Beall.
Certainly a big change for this princess of pork, but Orwig won't mind.
"I don't know if she'll still walk on a leash when she's that big. But, I am happy that we could help her live her life to the fullest," said Orwig.
Orwig says Charlotte will have her own pigpen at their farm near Ruthven. She'll be headed to her new home this weekend.
