They are ‘two peas in a pod.’
A few years ago, a stray calico cat wandered onto an animal sanctuary in Alberta, Canada. Skittish and wary of humans, she would dart back into the wilderness anytime someone got too close.
“We would just see her from afar, kind of going around where we put food out for everyone,” said Melissa Foley, owner and operator of the Farm Animal Rescue and Rehoming Movement (FARRM).
The mysterious calico, later named Jade, lived on the edges of the property for nearly a year — always close, but never close enough.
A Surprise Discovery in a Hay Bale
Everything changed when Foley discovered several kittens hidden inside a hay bale. Realizing this was a rare opportunity to help, she managed to safely trap Jade and her babies so the mother could raise them in a protected space.
Once the kittens were old enough, all were spayed and neutered. The kittens stayed at the sanctuary, but Jade was released back outdoors.
This time, however, she didn’t return to the forest.
Instead, Jade found her way to a pig named Gordo.
Meet Gordo: The Pig Who Lived Alone
Gordo had arrived at FARRM in fragile condition. He had suffered frequent seizures at another rescue, and veterinarians later discovered he had a heart condition that limited his growth.
Because of his delicate health, Gordo lives alone in a small heated cabin, away from dust and other pigs.
“He’s honestly been his best for years now,” Foley explained. “But unfortunately, that means he has to live on his own.”
That’s when Jade appeared.
An Unlikely Friendship Begins
Whether she was drawn to the warmth or simply sensed a kindred spirit, Jade began making daily visits to Gordo’s cabin.
Volunteers soon noticed her:
- Curling up beside him
- Sleeping under his blankets
- Nuzzling into his side
And Gordo? He didn’t seem to mind one bit.
“I think he really enjoys the company,” Foley said. “And if you know anything about pigs, they don’t like sharing food — but Gordo lets Jade eat from his bowl and even lick yogurt off his plate.”
How Gordo Changed Jade’s Life
Before meeting Gordo, Jade had always been fearful around humans. Not aggressive — just deeply scared.
But something about Gordo made her feel safe.
“Gordo’s kind of brave,” Foley said. “And his interactions with us really rubbed off on Jade. All of a sudden she became the friendliest cat in the world and just wanted love constantly.”
Through Gordo, Jade learned what trust and companionship felt like.
From Feral to Foster Mom
As Jade’s confidence grew, so did her heart.
She began:
- Grooming baby lambs
- Cuddling goats
- Kneading other pigs
- Comforting orphaned animals
“When the babies come in, she just goes to town mothering them,” Foley said. “She’s not affected by size or species. It just doesn’t matter to her.”
Yet no matter how many animals Jade helps, she always returns to her Gordo.
And he always welcomes her back.
A Bond Built on Compassion
Foley admits she may never fully understand what drew these two together — a once-feral cat and a fragile pig.
But she has a theory.
“Animals always lead with their heart,” she said. “Both of them came from places where they were struggling and just trying to survive. Now they’ve found comfort in each other.”
And somehow, in a tiny heated cabin in rural Canada, two very different animals found exactly what they needed: a friend who understands.