Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Tunie gets her wings



Some time ago I wrote about the first pig to ever win my heart, a potbellied pig named Petunia, who came to live at the first sanctuary I volunteered at. You can read about my experience with Tunie here.

While catching up on my internet reading today, I learned that Tunie was euthanized yesterday after becoming seriously ill and weakened by a suspected cancer. My heartfelt condolences go out to all who have truly loved Tunie. The barn at the sanctuary will not be the same without her.

Tunie, thank you for teaching me the pleasures of sitting in solitude in a barn on a hot summer’s day. Thank you for showing me that piggies can laugh and that they have a great sense of humour. Thank you for taking delight in my offerings of spinach salad with strawberries. Thank you for the many times we sat side by side in the shavings on the barn floor, me singing, you crooning, as the sun streamed in through the open window. Thank you for accepting me as your caregiver – I wish our time together had been much longer.

Thank you for teaching me about piggies, which ultimately led to my fostering twelve more – one of the highlights of my life. Thank you for being a Pig with Personality. You were my first pig, and I loved you very much.

Fly free, Tunie. And every now and then, check on my twelve at Hearts on Noses, and maybe stop by to see me, too. I’ll be listening for your quiet ha-ha-ha laughter. And perhaps I’ll feel a soft little breeze as you prove that pigs really can fly. Luv ya, loony-tunes. Now you are truly free.

9 comments:

Caroline said...

when I read that Tunie had passed away, my thoughts went to you and I remembered the bond you two had.

Big ((((((((((((((((hug))))))))))))))) for you!

Anonymous said...

Jean, I know how much Tunie meant to you... I am so very sorry to hear this. Tunie really was quite a character!!!!

Ellen

Anonymous said...

Jean; Tunie-Fish was special..I too remember singing and reading(Ann of Green Gables)to her...Two of my favorite times with her were breakfast;I'd bring,rice mixed with strawberris and blueberries.The other was cleaning the stalls with rain bucketing outside Tunie snuffling beside me dropping her tiny poops..Jean ;I've never had such peace before or since.Today as we u-picked our blueberries I could hear and feel her snuffles.Tunie Fish ,I love you..Cathie k

Anonymous said...

Hi Jean,

Sorry about Tunie. I enjoyed seeing the photos of the pig family you cared for on the mainland. I think of them everytime I peel a lot of vegies, which used to go to them for a snack.

Lou, Abbotsford

Janice Gillett said...

Such a darling although she never forgave me for my return trips to trim her hooves when she first arrived there. And if i ever stopped in over the years she let everyone know her displeasure of my scent in her barn.
Free of your earthly boundaries now Petunia as you join the Angel herd..

Anonymous said...

Jean I'm so very sorry to hear that Tunie has passed away.

Else

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry Jean, that your Tunie has gone - but she gave you the heart and interest to foster all those other piggies - her legacy will live on.

I so remember your barn and piggies at the place out in Mission, especially the day a few dashed on up the hill while we were all chatting, and you had to herd them back.

You were a very good momma to that family of piggies!

sb

Jen in SLO said...

I'm sorry to hear about sweet Petunia. She sounds like a wonderful pig.

Colleen said...

I too know how much she touched your heart, as I know you touched hers. Thanks for being her champion even through and after your leaving that sanctuary.