Bluebell and Snowdrop. A Curly Tale.

It was two years ago that I had to make the decision that the two Gloucester old spot pigs, Bluebell and Snowdrop had to go. It wasn't an easy decision, and I was worried what George would think about it, because it was his idea to have them in the first place.
I have to admit that the idea appealed to me too. I had seen pictures of Gloucester old spots. They looked so happy, living an idyllic life in their little orchard.
I forgot that I don't have an orchard. Not for the first time where animals are concerned I allowed my heart to rule my head.
The thing is they didn't remain as cute little piggy wiggies for long. They grew enormous in a very short space of time.
They were free ranging, and this plot of mine was beginning to look like a battle field. They just love to dig.

They looked so sweet and innocent when they first arrived.

When it rained they churned the place up so much that a lot of the time they were knee deep in mud. I know pigs are supposed to like mud, but I was worried about their welfare.

We made them an area of hard standing and confined them to it when it got really wet, but it didn't seem right to keep them confined. They had to go.
When we first got them the intention was that they would be slaughtered when they had reached the appropriate size. I know how nice free range pork tastes, and looked forward to being self sufficient in meat.
Really it is not a good idea to give a name to any animals which are destined for the table. It is not a good idea to take them for walks. It is not a good idea to bath them. It is not a good idea to tickle their tummies. It is not a good idea to introduce them to visitors who say, "aaah".  It is not a good idea to start thinking of them as family pets.
Despite the fact that when we first acquired them, it was on the strict understanding that eventually they would have to go for slaughter, somehow, when I mentioned it was time, the rules were suddenly different.
Apparently what I had agreed to was that Bluebell and Snowdrop would be brought to the boar, and that the resulting litters would then be sold for meat. I cannot recall saying this but it seems I am quite forgetful at times.
So they stayed for about four years causing havoc. Luckily I was able to avoid them meeting with the boar. The thought of lots more little piggies adding to the battleground was too much to even contemplate.
Eventually though my commonsense prevailed, and George and his Mum saw that I just did not have enough space, or money, to keep them. Yes success!

No not really. I had to agree that Bluebell and Snowdrop would not be killed, and that I would find them a home where the new owner would not kill them either. In other words I had to find them a home where they would be able to live out their lives in free ranging happiness.
Who is going to agree to give a home for life to two of the biggest pigs you ever saw? Who is going to be that daft?
Well, there was someone, and Bluebell and Snowdrop are happily ensconced in their new home on a small holding not too far away.
They have both had litters. It is wonderful to see them so happy. It is wonderful to know that they are not on my plot.
Do you know what? I am ever so glad that I never got to eat them. I am ever so glad that I am what is commonly known around here as 'an old softie'.