In Ontario, Canada, Sweet Acres Pig Sanctuary has long been a safe haven for potbelly pigs rescued from tough situations. But when Kirsten Duggan received a call from animal control about a 13-year-old duck named Charlie, she hesitated. She’d never cared for a duck before and wasn’t sure how Charlie would fit in with her ten rescue pigs. Yet, she couldn’t turn down the chance to give Charlie a second chance.
Charlie arrived at the sanctuary in March, and to Duggan’s delight, she quickly formed a special bond with one of the pigs, Pebbles.
“They just have this bond,” Duggan told The Dodo. “They run to each other. Whenever they’re out, they’re together.”
Every day, Charlie and Pebbles spend at least an hour together. Charlie gently cleans Pebbles’ ears with her beak and snuggles close, while Pebbles bows her head in response — a sign of affection and trust.
Despite a dramatic size difference — Pebbles weighs about 180 pounds, while Charlie tips the scales at just 4 pounds — the pair is inseparable.
“It’s a very unique relationship. They just love each other,” Duggan said.
Pebbles’ journey to happiness has been remarkable. Four years ago, she was rescued from a slaughterhouse, living in a tiny concrete stall, overfed, hairless, and depressed. With proper care at Sweet Acres, Pebbles has lost 75 pounds, regained her hair, and is no longer fat blind.
Charlie’s arrival has only added joy to Pebbles’ life. Some of the other pigs keep their distance due to strong personalities, but Pebbles and Charlie always come together — a living example of friendship transcending species.
“They just come together. It’s like magic,” Duggan said.
Sweet Acres started as a one-person operation ten years ago, after Duggan and her husband learned that teacup pigs don’t exist. Instead, potbelly pigs are often starved to appear tiny, then abandoned when they outgrow their “cutesy” size. Since rescuing her first pig in 2015, Duggan has dedicated her life to giving hopeless pigs a second chance.
The sanctuary also opens its gates to the public, allowing visitors to meet the pigs and learn about their care. From children to teens struggling with mental health issues, the animals bring joy and comfort to everyone they meet.
“The biggest reward to Sweet Acres is giving back to the community,” Duggan said.
And for Charlie and Pebbles, Sweet Acres has given them something even more precious: a lifelong friendship and a loving home.