Sisu Refuge

Sisu Refuge Pig sanctuary located in North Carolina
🐷❤️ Patreon.com/sisurefuge

Mama and Pew's last photo together from his euthanasia yesterday, all the way to their first photo together when he arri...
02/08/2025

Mama and Pew's last photo together from his euthanasia yesterday, all the way to their first photo together when he arrived in 2020. 😭💔

Mama has always loved Pew, but when he returned from the hospital, we were all stunned by just how protective, dedicated, and concerned she became. Over Pew’s last week, Mama never left his side—not even to eat.

And even yesterday, she was right there with him as he passed. The moment he was gone, she gently sniffed his face, as if she understood exactly what was happening. Then, she watched as Joseph buried him before quietly laying down by herself for the first time. 😭

For years, we’ve seen time and time again that pigs know when one of their friends is dying—long before we have any warning. They actually spend weeks saying goodbye, taking turns laying next to whoever is sick and guarding them. Pigs are incredibly intelligent, and they grieve their loved ones deeply.

We will be keeping a close eye on Mama as she heals from losing Pew. And to everyone who has donated toward his end-of-life care, thank you. Thank you for helping us care for these animals—from the moment they are rescued to the moment they are laid to rest. ❤️🙏

Dear Sisu Family,First, I want to apologize for the long silence. I’ve been battling bronchitis for almost four weeks no...
02/07/2025

Dear Sisu Family,

First, I want to apologize for the long silence. I’ve been battling bronchitis for almost four weeks now and both the kids were sick back-to-back. Thankfully, we have had a strong team here, but it has been a difficult few weeks, and unfortunately, that included multiple vet emergencies and loss.

Yesterday, we said goodbye to our sweet, grumpy, old man - Mr. Pew. 💔

Pew was never the overly affectionate type, but he was lovable in his own way—gentle, funny, and always a little bit cranky. He carried himself with a quiet dignity that the other pigs admired, and in the herd, he was second only to Hank. Most importantly, he was deeply in love with his partner, Mama.

Since arriving at Sisu in 2020, Pew had always struggled with health issues. What we—and multiple vets—had chalked up to a mystery illness for years was finally revealed in his recent CT scan at VTech. These scans are extremely difficult to perform on large pigs, and Pew was actually the first Sisu pig to receive one. But when our vet suspected organ failure, we knew this was our best chance to truly understand what was going on and the findings were shocking to all of us.

The findings from radiology were shocking. Pew had neoplastic masses (cancer) in his mouth and multiple renal cysts which explained his lifelong urinary struggles. Through the powerful scans, we were also able to see that Pew had severe degenerative joint disease in his elbows, shoulders, and spine, including thinning discs and spondylosis. The most shocking thing they discovered was an 8” dinner plate sized mass in his stomach.

We never would have seen these things without a CT scan.

Despite these conditions, Pew had managed to live a long, full life with us at Sisu, enjoying his friends and his home. But at this most recent visit, we had to face the heartbreaking truth: his pain had reached a point where it was no longer manageable and it was time to let him go. We made the decision to bring Pew home, let him be with Mama and his family, say his goodbyes, and then peacefully help him cross over. He was here at home for over a week, enjoying special meals, extra cuddles with Mama and getting the royal piggy treatment, and yesterday we knew it was time.

Yesterday, Pew fell asleep under his favorite tree —dignified, loved, and respected – and Mama was by his side throughout the entire process. From the moment Pew was sedated, until Pew was buried, she was there.

It was extremely peaceful, and Pew is now at rest. And although Mama is beyond devastated… we know this is what Pew needed, and we know Mama will be happy again one day. We will share some photos of their love later on and tell you about how incredible it was.

CT scans for pigs are rare, and while we are grateful we were able to give him an opportunity, the medical costs were significant. If you would like to honor Pew’s beautiful life by helping us cover his final vet bills, it would mean the world to us. Fundraising during grief is difficult, but we have always promised the pigs here every chance at long, full lives.

Thank you for being here, for loving Pew, and for being part of our Sisu family. 🙏

01/17/2025

🚨 Emergency $5 Friday! 🚨 Please read!

We need your help today more than ever. The first two weeks of this year have been overwhelming, with nonstop emergencies and unpredictable weather — and now, two senior pigs, who you already know and love, Hudson and Mr. Pew are being rushed for emergency intake at VTech for suspected organ failure. 😭

Their cases are completely unrelated, but equally critical as both of these sweet old men are around 10-12 years old, and have had health issues since they arrived. The problems have only gotten progressively worse with advanced age, but we've managed their issues and pain well, and they've been so happy... things have just rapidly deteriorated this week, and our vet suspects their kidneys are starting to fail. We won't know for sure until they are seen, but the symptoms are very serious, and all of us have been holding our breath just praying Hudson has the strength to even make the trip.

Hudson was saved from a cruelty case in 2019, and he's struggled to maintain weight for the last five years. Prolonged starvation, along with a broken jaw that fused improperly, left Hudson with so many physical problems - but he has always been the happiest, goofiest, and sweetest boy.

He healed here at Sisu, and even with his physical and mental disabilities, he found his family and made a home. Because of the horrific abuse Hudson suffered at the hands of humans before he was saved, we always vowed to give him every chance to live a long, happy life. And now, we really need your help to keep that promise. 🙏

We’ll share more about Mr. Pew’s case this weekend, but he’s facing similar critical health concerns and is having a very hard time. His symptoms have already stumped two other vet hospitals, so we are really hoping Virginia can give us some answers.

They’re still a couple hours away from the hospital, and we urgently need to cover their deposit upon arrival. These sweet grandpa piggies aren’t tiny piglets... but they matter every bit as much! Every $1 you give directly supports their care and gives them the chance to fight for more happy days. They deserve that. Please help us give that to them.

💌 Text SISU to 801801
💌 Support us on: Patreon.com/sisurefuge
💌 Venmo:
💌 PayPal: Paypal.me/nc42save

Your kindness and generosity mean the world to Hudson, Mr. Pew, and all of us here at Sisu. Please, let’s rally for these incredible boys to get treatment and come home!

I'm outside spending time with Evie today, and she’s been demanding tons of extra belly rubs! It reminded me just how in...
12/28/2024

I'm outside spending time with Evie today, and she’s been demanding tons of extra belly rubs! It reminded me just how incredibly resilient this girl is, and I wanted to share her amazing before-and-after journey with you (plus a glimpse of her today)!

Evie’s recovery is hands down one of the most dramatic we’ve ever seen here at Sisu. When she arrived in September 2020, this sweet girl had one hoof in the grave. 💔

Her entire face and body were covered in open wounds, and her eyes were sealed shut with scabs. She could barely stand, and honestly, we weren’t sure she’d make it through the first night. We stayed up those first 24 hours, giving her fluids in the living room and holding her while she slept. After so much love, medicated baths, coconut oil, and more sleepless nights than I can count, Evie started to heal and made an absolutely incredible recovery.

Since then, Evie has grown like a w**d and continues to amaze us with her adventurous spirit and strong will. She integrated into the big herd, slowly climbed the social ladder, and made her mark! These days, Evie is a goofy, brave, and fiercely independent girl who doesn’t slow down for anyone—except for her best friend, Lily. 🐷💕

Like many big pigs in our care, Evie has started experiencing some mobility challenges as her joints adjust to supporting her giant size. She’s now on an updated medication plan to keep her as comfortable and happy as possible - and of course, she’s getting all the extra love she wants and deserves.

When animals first arrive here, they often need to heal physically, mentally, and emotionally before they feel safe enough to truly enjoy life. Our goal isn’t just to save their lives but to give them a good life—one full of freedom, joy, dignity, and the chance to form their own friendships and families.

Sisu Refuge wouldn’t be able to make these happy endings possible without your support. Donations and sponsorships are what keep us going, and we are endlessly grateful for your generosity. If you’d like to help Evie and her friends, sign up to become a monthly supporter today through Facebook subscriptions or join our Patreon!

Every bit makes a difference. 💕

12/25/2024

Today is not only Christmas, but it's Prissy’s birthday - and we couldn't bear the thought of her spending it alone at the shelter. We prepped her a temporary quarantine space here at Sisu and just went and broke her out of the joint! 🤪 No cake to celebrate, but she's about to have a birthday dinner of salad and oats.

Prissy is set to head to our friends Cindy and Greg, at Flip Side Sanctuary as soon as her spay and vetting is complete, and we are about halfway there with the fundraiser to get her ready for her new home! Can you help us lock her appointment on and have it paid for entirely? Please help us make her birthday the best it's ever been by making a donation today.

🐢🐢🐢 P.S. Flip Side has THREE TORTOISES! Make sure you follow them to keep up with Priss and her new pals!

🐷 Patreon.com/sisurefuge
🎄 Text SISU to 801801
❄️ Venmo -
🎁 CashApp - $sisurefuge
🎅 Paypal.me/nc42save

ICYMI: Miss Priss, previously named Fat Pig, was surrendered to Duplin County Animal Control about two weeks ago with her two tortoise friends. The tortoises were adopted out, leaving Prissy alone and sad. On top of losing her home, human family, and best friends, Prissy is confused and disoriented because she is fat blind (visually impaired) due to her weight.

Sisu Refuge is a registered 501(c)3 charity. All donations are tax-deductible and directly support making the world kinder for animals. Like always, excess funding designated for Prissy will follow her to her new home!

Merry Christmas, Sisu family! 🐽🎄❤️We know this time of year is happy for some, but heavy for many. Please remember that ...
12/25/2024

Merry Christmas, Sisu family! 🐽🎄❤️

We know this time of year is happy for some, but heavy for many. Please remember that we love you and know that we appreciate all of the support you've shown us and the pigs this year. ✨️

Right now, we have a special opportunity to close out the year stronger than ever: a generous donor has pledged to match every gift, dollar for dollar, up to $5,200—but only until midnight tonight!

That means your gift will have double the impact—bringing twice the joy, hope, and change to animals who need it most. We currently are at🌡$2,110 of $5,200 raised! (6:30 update)

Thank you for being part of our family and helping us make magic happen this holiday season. We couldn’t do this without you. ❤️🎄✝️

🐷 Patreon.com/sisurefuge

Or donate via the links below:
🎄 Text SISU to 801801
❄️ Venmo -
🎁 CashApp - $sisurefuge
🎅 Paypal.me/nc42save

A Christmas Wish for One Heartbroken Pig – Can You Help? 🎄✨️Meet a sweet soul who desperately needs our help! When she w...
12/18/2024

A Christmas Wish for One Heartbroken Pig – Can You Help? 🎄✨️

Meet a sweet soul who desperately needs our help! When she was surrendered to animal control, last week, her former owners had been calling her "Fat Pig" 😭 - but animal control officers have thankfully been calling her Miss Prissy!

Prissy came into the shelter with two tortoise friends, but they were adopted out, leaving her alone and sad. On top of losing her home, human family, and best friends, Prissy is fat blind (visually impaired) due to her weight, making her world even more disorienting and lonely. She’s confused, restless, and desperately needs a safe place where she can heal.

Despite all she’s been through, there’s hope! We’ve found a wonderful sanctuary—complete with tortoise companions!😍—that is ready to give Prissy the forever home she deserves! But before she can start her new life, she needs to be spayed and fully vetted.

Prissy's birthday is Christmas Day (12/25/2019), and nothing would be more special than giving her the miracle of a fresh start for her birthday and for the holidays! Don't you think? We’ve already contacted VTech and are working on securing a vet appointment before Christmas break, but we need your help to make this happen.

Here’s where you come in: Your support can make this Christmas miracle happen. Every donation, big or small, helps us cover Prissy’s medical care and transport to her forever sanctuary.

💖 Patreon.com/sisurefuge
💖 Paypal.me/nc42save
💖 Text SISU to 801801
💖 Venmo -
💖 CashApp - $sisurefuge

Thank you for believing in second chances and helping animals like Prissy find the love and care they deserve.

From research lab to sanctuary! 🐽🙏Boo spent the first few years of her life in a medical lab where every day felt the sa...
12/13/2024

From research lab to sanctuary! 🐽🙏

Boo spent the first few years of her life in a medical lab where every day felt the same - bright lights, metal cages, and strange tests she didn't understand. Boo had never felt the warm sun on her face, or grass under her feet... She didn't know what mud was or how it felt to run and play with other pigs.

Now, Boo’s new world couldn’t be more different! She wakes up - unrushed and peacefully - to birds singing. She spends her days exploring grassy fields, sniffing around wooded trails, and soaking up the warm sun on the banks of her favorite pond. Her caretakers are gentle and patient, always ready with tummy rubs, treats, and kind words. Boo has friends now—both furry and human—who make every day fun and full of love. Her eyes, once sad and uncertain, now sparkle with curiosity and joy. Boo’s before-and-after journey shows just how powerful love and kindness can be.

It’s one thing to rescue an animal, and it’s another to help them heal from a life that never let them be themselves. Seeing Boo discover what life is supposed to be like is one of those moments that reminds us of why we do this work.

But Boo’s story also reminds us of how many others out there are waiting for their second chance. Pigs like Boo don’t get to escape research facilities often. They don’t get to live the life they deserve unless there’s someone ready to fight for them. And we can’t do this without you!

Your support makes rescues like Boo’s possible. Every donation helps us provide the food, medical care, and love that Boo and all her friends at Sisu Refuge need and deserve. And when you give, you’re not just supporting Boo—you’re creating a future where more animals like her can know freedom and happiness!

This holiday season, please consider making a donation in honor of Boo and her new life. You can donate online at any of the links below or consider sponsoring Boo for 2025 on Patreon!

💖 Patreon.com/sisurefuge
💖 Paypal.me/nc42save
💖 Text SISU to 801801
💖 Venmo -
💖 CashApp - $sisurefuge

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of Boo’s story. She wouldn’t be here without you!

We are sharing our favorite rescue stories for from now til Christmas! 🎄🐖 Who's story do you want to see next?

"Mᴀʏʙᴇ Cʜʀɪsᴛᴍᴀs ᴅᴏᴇsɴ'ᴛ ᴄᴏᴍᴇ ғʀᴏᴍ ᴀ sᴛᴏʀᴇ. Mᴀʏʙᴇ Cʜʀɪsᴛᴍᴀs, ᴘᴇʀʜᴀᴘs, ᴍᴇᴀɴs ᴀ ʟɪᴛᴛʟᴇ ʙɪᴛ ᴍᴏʀᴇ." 🐽🎄✨️And maybe, just mayb...
12/11/2024

"Mᴀʏʙᴇ Cʜʀɪsᴛᴍᴀs ᴅᴏᴇsɴ'ᴛ ᴄᴏᴍᴇ ғʀᴏᴍ ᴀ sᴛᴏʀᴇ. Mᴀʏʙᴇ Cʜʀɪsᴛᴍᴀs, ᴘᴇʀʜᴀᴘs, ᴍᴇᴀɴs ᴀ ʟɪᴛᴛʟᴇ ʙɪᴛ ᴍᴏʀᴇ." 🐽🎄✨️

And maybe, just maybe, part of that "little bit more" is rediscovering the kindness and compassion we all felt as children during Christmas? Back when we all believed in magic, we also believed in the pure and simple joy of being kind—to each other and to the animals who share our world. That innate sense of wonder and connection didn’t need to be taught; it just came naturally. We loved animals. We wanted to help them and take care of them.

This Christmas, let’s reconnect with that childlike magic—the magic of seeing the world through eyes of empathy and the joy of extending kindness to all living beings, not just cats and dogs. After all, the true spirit of the season isn’t found in what we give or receive but in the love and care we share.

The Chonkiest Chonk of Them All! 🐽✨All December, we’re taking a heartwarming stroll down memory lane with baby Xavier. 😍...
12/10/2024

The Chonkiest Chonk of Them All! 🐽✨

All December, we’re taking a heartwarming stroll down memory lane with baby Xavier. 😍 Can you even handle those adorable cheeks and extra chins? He was the cutest little pig-walrus, always napping in the living room and hoping for snacks. 😅🦭🐖

Looking back, it’s hard to believe how much Xavier has grown — and how much he’s impacted our lives here at Sisu Refuge. His journey from a tiny, snuggly baby to the loving, full-of-personality pig he is today is nothing short of magical. We’re so excited to share more of his story with you! ❤️✨

To everyone who’s been with us from the start and to those just joining our pig-loving family — thank you! Your support makes all the difference, allowing us to say “yes” to urgent rescues like Xavier and care for our rescued animal through every unexpected twist and turn.

Want to Help This Holiday Season? 🎁🐖
For the cost of just one coffee a month, you can make a huge difference in the lives of animals like Xavier. A $5 monthly pledge on Patreon helps keep our sanctuary running, providing food, medical care, and safe shelter for our rescued pigs.

One-time donations are also incredibly helpful as we face unexpected vet bills and rising expenses. Every single gift, no matter the size, helps us continue saying "yes" to urgent rescues and giving our pigs the love and care they deserve. 💛🙏

How to Support:
• Patreon: Patreon.com/sisurefuge
• Venmo:
• PayPal: Paypal.me/nc42save
• Website: Sisurefuge.org

We love Mail! 📬❤️
Sisu Refuge Farm Sanctuary
4004 N NC 903 Hwy
Albertson, NC 28508

Thank you for being a part of our family and for loving pigs as much as we do! 🐷💫

🐽 Happy Rescueversary, Xavier! 🎉Three years ago, a transport truck carrying piglets from a sow farm to a nursery farm ex...
12/08/2024

🐽 Happy Rescueversary, Xavier! 🎉

Three years ago, a transport truck carrying piglets from a sow farm to a nursery farm experienced a mechanical failure, causing the back door to swing open and dozens of piglets to tumble onto a busy road. Amid the heartbreaking scene, animal control contacted us about this sweet boy, who was rescued from the chaos. He was one of only two pigs who survived. 🥺💔

That tragic night brought Xavier into our lives, and we ALL fell in love immediately with this chonky walrus boy. Who wouldn't?!

This week, we’re celebrating everything that makes Xavier so special! We’ll be reminiscing about all of his “firsts” at the sanctuary—his first kisses, his undeniable sense of style, his sweet bond with Zeus, and, of course, his love for bubble baths and delicious circles!

What’s your favorite Xavier memory? Share it below! ✨️

If you’d like to send Xavier a box of cheerios to celebrate three years of freedom and love - please donate using the link below or through any of the links in our bio.

🫧 Venmo -
🧼 CashApp - $sisurefuge

Thank you to the Collamati family for sponsoring Xavier! If you’d like to become Xavier’s second sponsor or sponsor another pig this Christmas, sign up at Patreon.com/sisurefuge or comment "sponsor" to receive a list of pigs still in need of holiday cheer. 🎄

Today, Finch is heading home to Figgy Farm Animal Sanctuary  in Kentucky! We already miss this little stinker, but he co...
12/08/2024

Today, Finch is heading home to Figgy Farm Animal Sanctuary in Kentucky! We already miss this little stinker, but he couldn't be heading to a more beautiful home with a more incredible family. 🥹

Finch arrived here at Sisu, a scared and needy baby, but quickly blossomed into a brave, independent love bug! He used to cry and go into a panic if humans were out of sight, running around frantically searching for us - but with each day, his confidence grew, and his personality shined. Finchie made friends with everyone he met and slowly settled into his own routine here, but we know he will steal the hearts of his new pig family and find his place in the herd at Figgy's in no time! We can't wait to watch him grow up alongside Rufie and all of his new friends in Kentucky. 🐽

We will miss you, little turkey boy! Safe travels!

If you'd like to send Finch and Scarlett a gallon of gas to get safely home, please donate directly to Figgy's below.

We are so happy that we were able to help get Finch to where he was always meant to be! Thank you for helping us make his rescue possible and for believing in our mission for pigs. And huge thank you to Scarlett and Malcom for opening your hearts and home to little Finch! Beautiful things happen when orgs work together for the animals, and we are so happy to have Figgy's as a rescue partner for Sisu. ❤️

It was absolutely incredible to meet you, Scarlett. Can't wait to see you again soon, and Darla already demands a return visit! 🫢

P.S. Those feetsies. 🤣

Please welcome Boo to Sisu! 🐽✨️Boo’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and hope, and we couldn’t be more excit...
12/06/2024

Please welcome Boo to Sisu! 🐽✨️

Boo’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and hope, and we couldn’t be more excited to introduce this incredible girl to you!

Boo didn’t come from a farm or a home - she came from a university's medical research facility. You see, Boo is a Sinclair pig, a breed specifically engineered for research labs… smaller in size, quiet, and docile by design.

From the moment she was born, Boo’s life wasn’t hers. She was raised in a clinical, sterile environment where every part of her existence was controlled - no dirt to root in, no sunshine on her skin, and no piggy friends to nuzzle.

For three years, Boo lived in a lab. It’s a hard life to imagine. Boo didn’t know the simple joys of being a pig, but that wasn’t her fault. When the research was finished, Boo was given an opportunity for sanctuary and our friends at Rosie's asked us to help!

When Boo arrived at Sisu, we knew we had our work cut out for us. It’s one thing to rescue an animal, and it’s another to help them heal from a life that never let them be themselves. But let us tell you: Boo has been surprising us every single day since she arrived a few months ago!

The first time she stepped into her new pasture, she froze, unsure of what to do. Grass? Sky? Pig friends? It was all so new. At first, she was so scared of the other pigs and would hide from them in the ferns. She wouldn't even let us touch her for weeks. But soon enough, we started to see glimmers of her true personality. Boo began exploring the grass and dirt with her snout, slowly but surely learning how to pig and warming up to her family.

Now, Boo has settled in like she’s been here her whole life. She's made so many friends and loves tummy rubs. She’s curious, sweet, and has playful zoomie streaks that makes us smile every day. Seeing Boo discover what life is supposed to be like is one of those moments that reminds us of why we do this work.

But Boo’s story also reminds us of how many others out there are waiting for their second chance. Pigs like Boo don’t get to escape research facilities often. They don’t get to live the life they deserve unless there’s someone ready to fight for them. And we can’t do this without you!

Your support makes rescues like Boo’s possible. Every donation helps us provide the food, medical care, and love that Boo and all her friends at Sisu Refuge need and deserve. And when you give, you’re not just supporting Boo—you’re creating a future where more animals like her can know freedom.

This holiday season, please consider making a donation in honor of Boo and her new life. You can donate online at any of the links below or consider sponsoring Boo for 2025 on Patreon.

💖 Patreon.com/sisurefuge
💖 Paypal.me/nc42save
💖 Text SISU to 801801
💖 Venmo -
💖 CashApp - $sisurefuge

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of Boo’s story. She wouldn’t be here without you, and we can’t wait to share more of her adventures as she grows into the incredible pig we always knew she could be! ✨️

📌 Boo's ear tags are out now. These are just photos from when she first arrived. We will share more of her adorable fuzzy face soon!

  is here — a day where generosity takes center stage! This global movement is about coming together to create real chan...
12/03/2024

is here — a day where generosity takes center stage! This global movement is about coming together to create real change, and we’re hoping you’ll consider all of us here at Sisu Refuge as you make your year end donations! 🐽🙏

Your ongoing support makes a world of difference for over all of rescued animals who call Sisu home. Every dollar you give helps us provide them with the care they need and the love they deserve.

From nutritious meals and safe, cozy shelters, to medical attention, and enrichment activities -- your generosity ensures that each of our residents thrives in an environment of compassion and respect.

These animals, once discarded or forgotten, now live with dignity and joy because of you. Your kindness creates not just a sanctuary but a second chance at life.

But our work is far from over. With more animals in need and rising costs of care, we rely on your continued support to sustain and grow our efforts.

Today, you can make an even greater impact because all gifts are doubled to $5,000! Will you help us ensure that every one of our residents—and the many more to come—receives the best possible care?

Thank you for standing with us, for believing in our mission, and for being part of this journey. Together, we’re building a better world for animals, one life at a time!

Donor Match here: Text SISU to 801801

🐽 - Patreon.com/sisurefuge
🐽 - Paypal.me/nc42save
🐽 - VENMO -
🐽 - CASHAPP - $sisurefuge

Christmas cards! 📬🎄🎁
Sisu Refuge
4004 N NC 903 Hwy
Albertson NC, 28508

Your kindness not only sustains our mission but inspires us to keep moving forward. Together, we’re making a real difference, and we couldn’t do it without you. Thank you for believing in us and being part of this journey.

Here's some of the animals we were able to rescue this year!

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4004 N NC 903 Highway
Albertson, NC
28508

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