Grant writing and layout for Lil' Orphan Hammies.

1. Lil’ Orphan Hammies
Grant Request Submission to
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Prepared for: --->Enter Name Here<---
Prepared by: Jane Mäger, Secretary, Lil’ Orphan Hammies
August 20, 2012

2. Contents
Summary........................................................................................................................................ 2
Organizational Information................................................................................................................. 3
Background................................................................................................................................... 4
Prior Achievements........................................................................................................................ 4
Grant Proposal Results............................................................................................................. 8
Needs & Target Population................................................................................................................ 9
Assets............................................................................................................................................. 10
Anticipated Results.............................................................................................................................. 11
Benchmarks ................................................................................................................................... 11
Barriers to Success.................................................................................................................... 12
Key Staff................................................................................................................................................. 12
Petunia, one of this year’s rescued piglets, engaging her natural rooting behaviors.

3. Summary
S ince the late 1980’s, miniature pigs have been in
and out of the lime-light as a “must have” pet. In
addition to personality and intelligence, miniature
pigs (including Vietnamese Pot-bellied, Kunekune,
Göttingen, and crossbreeds thereof) are often marketed
on their diminutive size. Unfortunately, the latter
is subject to gross exaggeration from unscrupulous
breeders. Tiny, unweaned piglets are being sold under
fictitious breed names with meaningless, unbinding
“guarantees” and falsified information about their age,
size, weight and needs; all in the name of commanding
a higher price. Many such piglets are selling for
hundreds, and even thousands, of dollars. Sadly, this
often results in the neglect, abuse and abandonment
of hundreds of miniature pigs who exceeded their
owner’s expectations for size, behavior, and care. Relinquished due to her owner’s newly-diagnosed illness,
then-tiny Viola was promised to reach a weight no greater
Routine online searches reveal the names of new than 25 pounds as an adult. She now weighs 40 pounds at less
breeders on an almost weekly basis. While some newer than one year of age. (You can find us on Facebook to learn
breeders are as unsuspecting and uneducated about the more about Viola. http://facebook.com/LilOrphanHammies)
“breeding stock” they have purchased to begin their
business; many still intentionally mislead potential animals in need. During the past couple of years, we
owners, all in the name of turning a profit. In addition have expanded our outreach online, utilizing Google
to employing abusive tactics such as inbreeding, and AdWords and social media with measurable success.
starvation, many breeders are now advertising, selling,
and shipping days-old piglets in order to maintain the These success are not ours to claim alone, and it seems
fiction of a “Micro” or “Teacup” pig. New owners are there is always more work to be done; work that could
often given misinformation that results in the further not continue without the kind-hearted contributions
starvation of their newly acquired animal. of supporters like yourself. We manage funds closely
to ensure our ability to provide excellent care for our
Originally a problem in the U.S. , U.K. , and Canada; resident pigs. With an aging pig population, the need for
a simple Google search for miniature pigs yields a list veterinary expenses becomes more frequent, and often
of breeders claiming to sell “Teacup Pigs,” “Micro Pigs,” more costly. Due to challenges faced by the agricultural
“Micro-Mini Pigs,” “Pocket Pigs,” “Juliana Pigs,” “Thimble sector, small farms and sanctuaries are realizing an
Pigs,” “Nano Pigs,” “Tiny Pigs,” and of course “Dandies” increase in food costs. Our outreach, while provided
and “Pixies” that spans the globe. Indeed, many claim freely, comes at an expense to the organization as well.
to be the sole “true” purveyor of such creatures. None
of these names, conjured up by breeders to suggest In order to continue our mission, we rely on funding
a diminutive size, are true breeds of pig; nor do they from generous donors such as yourself. Your donation
accurately reflect the final size or needs of the animal. will help us cover the costs of feed, veterinary care,
For many of these animals, unwanted after they fail to utilities, labor, general maintenance, and improvements
meet expectations based on fiction and misinformation, to our sanctuary, as well as facilitating the expansion
a sanctuary such as ours will be their last stop. of our outreach programs. Additional goals in need of
funding include the construction of a small hospital
Since 1992, Lil’ Orphan Hammies has actively area, the addition of water and electricity to our office
engaged in rescue, and worked to be at the forefront in and outer fields, an outdoor washbasin, targeted ads
turning the tide on misinformation. During these last via Facebook, a laptop computer for presentation
20 years, more than 1,000 miniature pigs have come portability, printing educational materials and a new
through our gates to safety and the chance to live as a quarterly publication that will provide both sanctuary
pig. We continually advance our methods for ongoing news and educational articles, and the development of
educational and outreach efforts. We remain active a targeted searchable online database which will allow
in rescue, providing both long-distance networking our website viewers to connect with sanctuaries, vets,
and funding assistance as well as directly accepting and other resources.
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4. Organizational Lil’ Orphan Hammies’ operating funds ensures that
Information we continue to meet the needs of our pigs year after year.
Jane Mäger fills the position of Secretary; drafting much
of our correspondence; managing our online presence
C elebrating our 20th year of rescue, our organization including our website, store, and outreach via social
continues to serve pig owners in need of assistance media; developing our printed materials; and helping
and provide sanctuary to pigs that have been neglected, to coordinate rescue efforts. Susan Warner assists with
abused, or abandoned. Our primary duty is to provide animal care management. From time to time, other
excellent care and enrichment to the pigs that have volunteers serve our sanctuary as well. Contractors and
come to call Lil’ Orphan Hammies their home. laborers are hired as needed.
Spanning 5 acres in beautiful Solvang, California,
our sanctuary provides permanent respite for pigs that Lil’ Orphan Hammies has facilitated the rescue—
are elderly, infirm, or otherwise un-adoptable. We place and adoption whenever possible—of more than one
adoptable pigs in approved homes whenever possible, thousand miniature pigs. We are steadfast in our
and adhere to strict policies with regard to euthanasia; commitment to rescuing miniature pigs in need. As we
never euthanizing an animal unless it is suffering from a continue our mission, we seek not only to rescue, but to
mortal injury, terminal illness, or an incurable condition reach out and educate, and to provide information and
that is causing chronic suffering and prolonged decline. support that will help keep pets in their homes.
Our dedicated 501(c)3 non-profit corporation is Our public outreach is forever expanding. In the
headed by a small, dedicated board. Sue Parkinson, CEO past, we have been involved with school visits and
& Executive Director of Lil’ Orphan Hammies, is demonstrations; a program that will be revitalized
also the founder of the organization. Sue handles daily upon acquisition of our new cargo van. Parades for
operations, scheduling and overseeing maintenance local events such as Danish Days in Solvang, California
and visitors alike. She is the primary caretaker for the and Old Santa Ynez Day in Santa Ynez, California, have
pigs—providing food, water (and medical treatment proven excellent ways to raise awareness and gain local
under veterinary advisory), as well as being the adoption support and we are looking to add more. We continue
coordinator and a first responder for rescue efforts. to seek outreach and education opportunities within
CFO, Judy Wilson and Vice President, Russell Alverson the media. This year, our article was re-published in the
bring their financial planning and accounting expertise Animals edition of People magazine. Last year we had
to the table; handling bookkeeping as well as helping to the pleasure, and good fortune, of hosting Jack Hanna
educate others about the needs of the animals and being at our sanctuary. An episode for his popular TV nature
on deck for public events. Their careful management of series Into the Wild featuring Lil’ Orphan Hammies
aired early this year. Past press has included news
segments and nature documentaries for PBS, CNN,
and The Today Show; as well as published in People,
Potbellied Pig Magazine, The Los Angeles Daily News,
The Los Angeles Times, and The Santa Barbara New
Press. During 2012, our outreach continued to expand
via social networking tools such as Facebook, Twitter,
Pinterest, and Causes. We have already achieved more
than anticipated in this venue; social networking has
opened an avenue for owners and prospective owners
to contact us with questions, as well as garnering the
financial support needed to purchase a new cargo vehicle
for our sanctuary. Our following has grown markedly
and we will be seeking to increase that number via the
purchase of targeted ads. We will also be implementing
a sponsorship program this year!
Other continuing goals include development of free
publications to provide information to pig owners and
Our page on Facebook has, organically, doubled in the enthusiasts and to combat misinformation, as well as
number of followers since last year. Through the use of the launch of a quarterly publication, and the addition
targeted ads, we could reach out to thousands more. of an annual charity dinner event.
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5. Prior Achievements
D uring this past year, Lil’ Orphan Hammies has
persevered to provide rescue and adoption services,
including collaboration with the Kris Kelly Foundation
to rescue “Charlie”, (a farm-breed pig who was losing
his home), the intake and adoption of baby “Viola”, the
intake of “Milton” and rescued “Petunia”.
We have continued to develop our new website—now
providing free, printable, information pieces as well as
adoption forms—and there is more to come! We have
been very active with our social networking; managing
two pages on Facebook, two Twitter feeds, a Causes
profile and campaigns, a YouTube channel and boards
on Pinterest. In addition to promoting our organization,
Facebook has proven valuable in interfacing with people
seeking advice about feed, veterinary care, and behavior
issues. Additionally, our social media activity resulted in
the donation of funds for our new cargo van! We have
also seen excellent results from our Google AdWords
campaign; receiving a marked increase in email and
phone inquiries; allowing us to provide information to
prospective owners before they talk to a breeder.
In April, we participated in a unique fundraising and
awareness activity via SocialPakt; an organization that
pairs non-profits and artists to create and sell limited
edition tee-shirts. Sales for our shirt are going to the
In April of this year, we participated in a special campaign via purchase of a new scale, but perhaps the greatest benefit
SocialPakt. Our limited edition art tee-shirt, commemorating realized was an increase in exposure. Participation in the
our 20th Anniversary in rescue, raised funds and followers. campaign produced a significant spike in the number of
our followers on Facebook.
Background We have increased our participation in parades and
local events this year, participating in two parades with
at least one more to come. This has served to remobilize
I n 1992, Susan Parkinson began opening her heart our local support base as well as educate those visiting
and her home to unwanted pot-bellied pigs. By 1994, from other areas. Our animal ambassadors enjoy the
Lil’ Orphan Hammies was a busy 501(c)3 non- extra attention and the public is provided with an
profit corporation. Although the faces of the board opportunity to interact and learn more.
members, volunteers, donors—and even the pigs!—
have changed over the years, our core values and our During July and August, our article on miniature pigs
purpose remain the same. was re-run in the Animals edition of People magazine.
Timing could not have been better. With new breeders
For twenty years we have been rescuing and caring surfacing every month, having a wide-reaching vehicle
for miniature pigs; completing our due diligence to for correct information is imperative.
ensure safe and happy adoptions, providing training
and rehabilitation services to miniature pig owners and Our rescue efforts have continued throughout 2011
fellow rescue organizations, networking with shelters and 2012 with the intake of no less than ten pigs. One
and rescues to ensure good outcomes for unwanted pigs, has already moved on to a loving new home and two
protecting pigs and prospective owners by combating have a confirmed adopter who will welcome them home
the misinformation spread by unethical breeders, and after they complete their stint as breed ambassadors
educating the public with regards to size, zoning, and in our outreach programs. Others will likely make
how to meet the needs of their animals. Lil’ Orphan Hammies their “forever home”.
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6. Blueberry came to us in August, 2012 from a family who were Petunia came to us in May, 2012 after a concerned neighbor
losing their home. We are happy to have her, however the rescued her from a life of eating cat food and her former
long-term goal is to reunite Blueberry with her family! “owner’s” intentions of making a meal out of her!
Milton came to us in April, 2012. His owner had purchased him Sweet baby Viola came to us in March, 2012 when her owner was
from a “Super Micro Pig” breeder in Texas. Not only was Milton diagnosed with cancer. She had been sold as a “Dandy” pig with
getting “too big,” but there were problems with the family dogs. a 25 pound “size guarantee”. Viola already weighs 40 pounds.
You can read more about these rescues by visiting http://facebook.com/LilOrphanHammies and viewing our Rescue Log!
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7. We welcomed big-pig Charlie to our sanctuary in February, Reggie came to our sanctuary in February, 2012 after his owner’s
2012. Sold as a “mini-pig,” this gentle giant was a beloved pet had been instructed to shoot him, and chose to seek alternative
until his family learned they were losing their home. placement. At age 3, he already suffers from obesity and arthritis.
Mr. Pig came to our sanctuary in October, 2011. The efforts of many
A sweet and gentle senior, Miss Piggy came to live at LOH in
rescuers resulted in his removal from a situation of severe abuse
November, 2011 when her owner could no longer care for her.
and neglect. Sadly, his health didn’t permit him to stay with us.
You can read more about these rescues by visiting http://facebook.com/LilOrphanHammies and viewing our Rescue Log!
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8. Arnold came to us in April, 2011, after his owner went to jail
and he was left behind uncared for. Arnold has settled in
nicely with our senior pigs and is very happy.
Sammy came into the sanctuary in February, 2011 weighing a scant 35 pounds. She had been systematically starved for 5 years
after the breeder responsible told her owner that she would never exceed 35 pounds and that she should only be fed 1 cup of food
per day. Sammy, now 90 pounds, is safe and greatly improved and a very happy girl. She is one of our breed ambassadors and her
story is helping to educate potential owners about the consequences of misinformation with regards to animal care.
You can read more about these rescues by visiting http://facebook.com/LilOrphanHammies and viewing our Rescue Log!
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9. Grant Proposal Results
O ur sanctuary has survived, grown, and evolved to
meet the needs of our residents. We continually
pursue new avenues of outreach to aid and educate
owners and enthusiasts. Cultural and social dynamics,
and the animal’s requirements as they age, change
perpetually; our work is no easy task. Without a generous
outpouring from donors like you, our ability to move
forward would cease. In years past, your contributions
have allowed us to ensure that all of our animals have a
healthy and plentiful diet, adequate shelter, and proper
veterinary attention. As this is our top priority, we
cannot thank you enough for your charity. In order to
continue meeting the needs of our charges, and to plan
for extensions in outreach and education, we have been
calculating and reviewing our present expenses, as well
as our projected expenses for 2013. This year, some of our general operating funds were
directed to the completion of some much needed repair and
Our first order is always to provide for our dependants; modifications to our field and senior units.
the sanctuary’s seventy-plus miniature pigs. Feeding and
bedding constitute the bulk of our general operating rescues in 2013. As such, it will be important for us to
expenses. Due to agricultural challenges and setbacks in set aside funds to cover costs of supplies and labor to
2012, we are already seeing some increases in the costs satisfactorily complete these improvements. We must
of food and bedding. Food and bedding remain our procure greater general funding in order to allocate
largest and most highly prioritized operating expense. money for regular part-time labor and cover much
needed assistance that cannot always be completed
Veterinary care comprises a significant amount of by volunteers. Examples include repairs to fences,
our annual expenditures. The health of our animals is enclosures, housing, and watering systems. This will
paramount, and caring for an aging population means make certain that regular maintenance and upkeep are
taking on extra medical issues and treatment costs. Spaying completed correctly and in a timely fashion.
and neutering are also crucial to our program. In addition
to requiring the spay or neuter of all pigs residing at With a new van on the way, we will be seeking funds to
Lil’ Orphan Hammies, we sometimes assist other purchase an event trailer. We will be using the van in our
rescues and foster volunteers with spay and neuter costs outreach operations, which we plan to expand in 2013.
for their pigs. We expect veterinary costs to continue to As such, we expect to allocate an increased amount of
increase in 2013 as our senior pigs continue to age and funding to fuel and insurance expenses. $4,000.00 is our
fees for services continue to rise. anticipated expense for an appropriate trailer (based
on local and online research) to organize and haul
This year, repairs to our outer field areas were a outreach and event materials to schools, parades, and
necessity; many of the smaller shelters were no longer other venues where where we hope to be educating.
fit for use. We also made changes and improvements
to shelters and fencing in our senior area. Customized As we increase our outreach operations, we will also be
feeding and bedding layouts are key for both our elderly looking to purchase a laptop computer for presentational
pigs, and our field herd and we made improvements in purposes; including the adaptors required for connection
those areas as well. Shortly, we will be constructing a to projection systems. For this endeavor, we anticipate
visitor area, and in 2013, we will focus on the addition a cost of $2500. This will allow us to give presentations
of electricity and water to our office and our outer in schools and local organizations. We also anticipate
field and senior enclosures, as well as construction of a $1200 in printing expenses for our new materials!
“hospital” area. This will allow us better and safer access
in addressing individual and medical issues amongst As we advance and seek to promote positive change,
our senior population. A number of our old-timers are and as costs continue to rise; our expenses inexorably
disabled, or otherwise require special accommodations increase. Donors like yourself have been a tremendous
and extra care to ensure their health and comfort. We enabler for our mission, and your continuing gift is
also expect to need additional enclosures for incoming deeply appreciated.
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10. Needs and
Target Populations
O ur organization serves three target populations, first
and foremost of which are the miniature pigs that
call our sanctuary home. Every pig here is well cared for
and treated with the respect due all living creatures. We
ensure each pig a healthy and fitting diet. Young pigs,
seniors, pigs that are above or below a healthy weight,
pigs with eating disorders or other medical concerns;
all have different nutritional and feeding needs. Each
population’s needs are addressed and met with the
proper balance of appropriate miniature pig feed, fresh
veggies, fruits, and occasional treats. All of our spacious
enclosures provide adequate access to sun, shade, shelter
and bedding, and water. Our residents are provided with In April of this year, we accepted “Milton” into our sanctuary.
proper and timely veterinary attention. No matter how Milton, and his sidekick “Petunia” are proving wonderful
varied the needs, each is attended to with great care. Pigs breed ambassadors. Both have a sponsoring adopter who
with social or behavioral issues receive special support will take them at the end of their ambassadorship. Milton
and training. Whether Lil’ Orphan Hammies is currently has his own page on Facebook to document his
their “half-way house” or their “forever home,” we work growth from “Super Micro Pig” to adult Pot-bellied crossbreed.
hard to provide our charges with a safe, wholesome and
comfortable place to live. Our third target population consists of fellow rescues,
sanctuaries, and volunteers who foster animals. We
Our second target population is the public; actively network with our colleagues to exchange
particularly pig owners, prospective pig owners, and information and lend support to rescue and adoption
pig enthusiasts. We provide information and resources initiatives. We share information between veterinarians,
for pig owners in need of assistance with general care Animal Regulation officers, rescuers and shelters to
and feeding; training and behavioral issues, growth promote accurate facts and best practices among all who
patterns and healthy adult weight, finding a qualified may encounter miniature pigs in their profession. By
veterinarian, zoning ordinances, and much more. engaging in an active network, we are able to help other
We provide prospective pig owners and enthusiasts rescuers, and they help us too. Our sanctuary is a finite
with talking points and concerns to be aware of when space. Not every pig in need will make it to Lil’ Orphan
considering the adoption or purchase of a miniature pig Hammies, but facilitating an active network keeps us
and alert them to warning signs that often go unnoticed. in the fight. We are able to—rather quickly—scramble
Often, we receive calls from owners who have already resources for foster or sanctuary placement and provide
purchased pigs, realized that things are not going to be medical services and, later, adoption placement if all
what they expected, and need assistance negotiating a goes perfectly. Every pig saved through our network is a
return to the breeder or assistance re-homing their pet. pig that will not: be euthanized in the pound; be used as
When unscrupulous breeders provide misinformation a bait animal in a fighting ring; be butchered and eaten
to prospective owners, the pigs are not the only ones by an amateur; continue to suffer the neglect or abuse
to suffer; well-intended owners suffer when they of an uneducated or uncaring owner. By assisting our
have to separate with their pet, deal with the stresses colleagues we are, once again, automatically serving our
of unexpected damage to their property, are refused primary target population as well.
the refund or return policy on their high-priced
designer pet, or when they learn that they have been While our services are given freely, they are not
providing improper care that has negatively effected without cost. Every rescue, every outreach event, every
their beloved pet’s health. In view of that fact, we plan offered assistance, has a price tag attached that must be
to significantly expand our education and outreach paid through our organization. By default, our greatest
projects in the coming year. Consequently, when we need takes the form of a financial gift. While in-kind
provide information and support to this second target donations are also helpful, it is the level of outside
population, we are subsequently helping our first target financial support we receive that determines our course
population as well! and either deters or enables our success.
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11. Assets
Tangible: Intangible:
ȇȇ 5 acres of real estate in Solvang, California, the ȇȇ Sue Parkinson has more than 20 years experience
current location of our sanctuary working with miniature pigs. She brings to the table
a unique vision and understanding as well as being
ȇȇ Pig shelters, feeding and watering stations, and the primary animal caretaker and key educator.
fencing
ȇȇ Judy Wilson lends her financial skills to financial
ȇȇ Out-building with office supplies managment and bookkeeping as well as assisting
with outreach events.
ȇȇ Storage sheds
ȇȇ Russell Alverson manages all tax paperwork
ȇȇ Scion XB (commute and publicity vehicle) and filing related to our organization as well as
assisting with outreach events.
ȇȇ PC Computer
ȇȇ Jane Mäger provides graphic design and layout
for all collateral, published materials and signage,
Liquid : website management, social media management,
and advertising management. She also assists with
ȇȇ Financial gifts and grants rescue coordination and outreach events.
ȇȇ Susan Warner assists in caretaking the pigs.
ȇȇ Our website, www.lilorphanhammies.com
I n 2012, we secured the funding required to keep our sanctuary in business, as well as diversifying our funding
sources. Most of our funding takes the form of generous financial gifts, including the much appreciated donations
from supporters like yourself. In 2013, we seek to expand our options for resources as well as our programs.
Rescued Pot-bellied piglet “Viola” meets rescued farm-pig “Charlie” for the first time.
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12. Anticipated Results
S hould we fully realize our 2013 funding goals,
significant progress will be made in upgrading and
managing our sanctuary, participation in rescue, and
the outreach programs we seek to implement in the
following year. As our work is continued this following
year, we anticipate:
ȇȇ Our Sanctuary Will Remain Open: All of our
general operations will be covered. Our pigs will
be happy, well fed, and well provided for.
ȇȇ Increased Participation in Rescue: With
adequate funding and a new cargo van on the way,
Lil’ Orphan Hammies is poised to actively
re-enter the rescue scene. No longer dependant In 2012, we ran a series of informational image macros via
solely on volunteers, we will be able to provide Facebook. On the whole they were well received and widely
services more frequently, and with a greater reach. shared, with some macros even “going viral”.
The addition of a trailer would solidify our ability
to safely transport animals as needed.
ȇȇ Increased Capacity for Intake & Care: Benchmarks
Completion of new shelters to replace those that
have been damaged or overly worn will not only
better the lives of pigs already in our care; it will A s always, the primary measure of our success with
Lil’ Orphan Hammies is the health and
allow us to provision for new arrivals as well. The happiness of our resident pigs. This is a benchmark that
addition of a “hospital” area will help us to better we meet each and every day. Additional benchmarks
care for pigs recovering from illness or injury. that we will use to gauge our success in the coming year
are as follows:
ȇȇ Improved Recognition & Outreach: 2013 will
see an extensive increase in outreach efforts for ȇȇ The number of rescues in which we are able to
Lil’ Orphan Hammies. With our new cargo actively participate.
van, new outreach collateral, website, and social
media marketing we will continue to actively ȇȇ The number of maintenance projects that are
raise awareness and interest in our organization. completed. As good weather and the availability of
Not only do we want to be known; we want to labor are contributing factors, the success of this
be recognized as a reliable resource and active endeavor will be reviewed quarterly.
rescue. The ability to attend more events and give
presentations will allow us to meet and work with ȇȇ Website visitation, which will be monitored
more interested parties face-to-face. via site traffic reports from our host. This will be
reviewed on a monthly basis.
ȇȇ A Greater Reach: Utilizing our new collateral,
paid ads through Facebook, presentations and ȇȇ The number of positive responses to our
event attendance, and our website; we will extend Facebook advertisements. This will be reviewed
our outreach capabilities. Our rescue network will on a monthly basis. Facebook provides tools to
continue to increase towards a national capacity. monitor these numbers.
Viewers will have access to factual miniature
pig resources that are not currently available ȇȇ The number of sponsorships we receive. While
elsewhere. Our messages of caution amidst the this will be reviewed monthly; comparing end-
flurry of the “micro-pig craze” will reach more of-year figures for multiple years will be most
eyes and ears than ever before. We are working to important in determining success.
provide finished, free, print templates in order to
promote the distribution of accurate information, ȇȇ The number of events and outreach activities in
promote solidarity, and promote best practices. which we participate. This will be reviewed annually.
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13. Barriers to Success
A lthough barriers to our success do exist, they are
not insurmountable. Challenges faced by our
organization include: insufficient funds for operations
and programs; public misconception; breeder-initiated
misinformation and backlash.
Our greatest barrier to success is always that of funding.
While we continue to diversify our resources, ensuring
that funds are available to cover both general operating
expenses and additional program expenses is always a
challenge. Year after year we have secured funding to
ensure proper care of the animals in our sanctuary. In
2011, general operating funds ran dangerously low, and
veterinary bills were only just covered after donations
were made via Causes. While we are most grateful to We have continued to build and improve our website
the donors who pulled us through, experiencing that throughout the year. Additions and improvements will
level of compromise in our ability to provide necessary continue to be realized in 2013 as well.
veterinary care is not an issue that can go overlooked.
With regards to outreach, we have been slowly building
our library of collateral; but many of our outreach goals
Key Staff
have not yet been realized due to lack of funding.
Public misconception is an enormous challenge for
our organization. With the prevalence of “Micro-Pigs”
and “Tea-Cup Pigs” in the media it is often difficult to
convince pig enthusiasts that they do not truly exist.
O ur dedicated board of directors includes:
ȇȇ Susan Parkinson, CEO & Founder
As soon as pigs exceed owner’s expectations for size Street Address • Solvang, CA 93464
and care, they are usually relinquished, dumped, or Phone: (000) 000-0000
mistreated before finding their way into rescues and
shelters. Once branded as undesirable, they can be ȇȇ Judy Wilson, CFO
difficult to place for adoption. Increasingly, we also Street Address • Buelton, CA 93427
encounter the attitude that “Rescue pigs are damaged Phone: (000) 000-0000
goods,” and therefore, “adoption is not a good decision.”
Between building and staging our outreach projects for ȇȇ Russell Alverson, VP
2013, and other aspects of our five-year-plan, we believe Street Address • Buelton, CA 93427
that we can effectively continue to chisel away at these Phone: (000) 000-0000
misconceptions.
ȇȇ Jane Mäger, Secretary & Media Manager
Unscrupulous breeders continue to be a significant Street Address • Concord, CA 94521
barrier. Every time we combat misinformation spread Phone: (000) 000-0000
by “backyard breeders,” we are met with backlash, and
the further spread of misinformation. We often hear that ȇȇ Susan Warner, Animal Care Coordinator
breeders have made statements such as, “The sanctuaries Street Address • Buelton, CA 93427
are talking about pot-bellied pigs. My piglets are not pot- Phone: (000) 000-0000
bellied pigs, they are [insert-fad-name-here].” or, “The
pigs in the sanctuaries are all overweight. They are not Our sincere thanks for your time and consideration!
supposed to get that big. If you don’t overfeed your pig,
it will stay under forty pounds.” Once the prospective
owner agrees to purchase there is little chance that
the breeder will be amicable about a return or refund
when the pet pig gets “too big.” We can combat this
problem, but it will require a comprehensive strategy
and funding.
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