Wilbur Pig: A Daily Dose

30/06/2024

Wilbur is helping in the garden (by laying in the weeds we pulled).

05/05/2024

Spot the piggy! Wilbur got a jump on his day! Sunday mornings are for leisurely breakfasts and soaking up vitamin D.

02/05/2024

Wilbur approves of the spring annuals we planted in pots. He finds them very relaxing.

15/04/2024

Bum warming nicely in the sun .... Delicate pink nose in the shade. Proper piggy sunbathing management. 🐽😎🌞

14/04/2024

Do you have a pig that guards your door? Wilbur is loving the warmer weather. Sunshine, sun warm flag stones, and a sheltered spot. Piggy heaven!

26/01/2024

In early December, I was honoured to be asked to interview with Heckington Live Radio. Wilbur hadn't arrived yet, and we were in the middle of the 30 days of his isolation. Here is the link to the radio interview with HLR Roving Reporter, Amy Carr

Join our new Roving Reporter, Amy, as she brings you the news that matters from Heckington and around. And click on the page for links to her recent interviews

12/01/2024

As a thank you for all their hard work, Wilbur sent some of his super cool mugs to the amazing team at Feathers and Fur Express. This Atlanta based company helped us navigate the miles of red tape to bring Wilbur to the UK. ❤️.

03/01/2024

OrangeKat and Wilbur discussing important topics at their morning meeting.

01/01/2024

Happy New Year from Wilbur, The Flying Pig! We wanted to give a special shout out to Maurice and Pat from Middle Rasen for their very kind card for Wilbur. It took a little while to find us, but the Royal Mail made it happen. Wishing everyone peace, health, and happiness in 2024 ❤️

30/12/2023

Cold damp English winter? Not a problem for Wilbur and his fur family. 😂🐗🐾🫶

28/12/2023

Our daughter visited for the holidays and painted this lovely "some pig" wooden plaque as a Christmas gift for me. It's a reference to the book, Charlotte's Web and Wilbur's namesake. We can't wait to put it up in Wilbur's indoor space.

27/12/2023

This morning Wilbur experienced his first cold, rainy, wet English morning. He was not impressed (though he did stay out long enough to eat his breakfast under the gazebo). Watch with the sound on to hear him grumbling to me about it when I opened the door. Much better to be warn and dry by the fire.

24/12/2023

Wilbur is all nestled in his bed for Christmas Eve. He has really been enjoying the milder temps just now so has worn himself out exploring his new garden. We also wanted to say a special thank you to Dr. Jackson, one of the vets involved in Wilbur's transport. She sent this adorable flying pig ornament for our tree.

22/12/2023

Wilbur was on the news last night. He was a pro

22/12/2023

Since Wilbur flew (possibly through the magic of Christmas), we thought a T-shirt commemorating his epic flight might be fun. Check out Wilbur leading Santa's sleigh! 🎅 You can pop this logo on all sorts of merchandise at Wilbur's Zazzle shop. Shipping to both the U.S. and U.K. (so no international postage fees). All proceeds help to cover his $16,000 transport costs. https://www.zazzle.com/wilbur_the_flying_pig_home_for_christmas_t_shirt-256523640408298259

21/12/2023

A quick article from the BBC. Wilbur will be on Look North at lunchtime and this evening with BBC East Yorkshire & Lincolnshire

The pet's 4,000-mile journey from the USA to the UK has been riddled with setbacks.

20/12/2023

The Lincolnite has done a lovely follow up on Wilbur's story. We love the picture of him enjoying his luxury weekend in London with HARC. Click to read Joseph Verney's piece on Wilbur's journey from NC to Lincolnshire.

Wilbur's long journey to the UK cost over $17,000

19/12/2023

A huge thank you to both JCS Livestock and Heathrow Animal Reception Centre - HARC for taking such care of our special boy. We were amazed how cool and calm he was when he arrived (given his 5 day ordeal to get home). It's a testament to the excellent care he received!

18/12/2023

HOME! 😭❤️🍾

18/12/2023

Wilbur was well cared for over the weekend at Heathrow Animal Reception Centre - HARC. We are expecting him home in Heckington within the hour.

18/12/2023

TODAY'S THE DAY: Wilbur has enjoyed his weekend in London and is ready to get home. First step. Getting Wilbur processed through his import and health certifications. We should know by about 11am (GMT) if he is approved for release from the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre - HARC. Then JCS Livestock will transport him to his new home in Heckington. Keep a good thought for us. We're almost there!

16/12/2023

UPDATE: I just heard from Danielle with JCS Livestock, ‘’Wilbur is okay. He started eating his own food as soon as he was released into his pen. He has a box filled with a thick layer of straw along with another separate corner of straw to lie in’’. Heathrow Animal Reception Centre - HARC kindly sent a quick picture of Wilbur. Thank you everyone involved for taking care of our boy! To say it's a relief to see a picture of him is an understatement. He must be so happy to be out of that crate. Straw is one of his favourite things, so I'm sure he's going to have a lovely time rooting around in it.

16/12/2023

Wilbur has landed. 11:15am (GMT). He did a loop over the Surry Hills, then joined the line to land at Heathrow. The next stop is his unloading and reception at Heathrow Animal Reception Centre - HARC.

16/12/2023

PIGS CAN FLY!!! Wilbur is a GO! 4am (GMT) He just passed across New Jersey and will be headed out over the Atlantic shortly. HE'S ON HIS WAY! UPDATE:10:17am (GMT). He has just crossed over the Irish Sea and headed to the UK mainland. One hour till he lands (see blue photo).

15/12/2023

UPDATE: Ruben and Wilbur have safely returned from North Carolina to Atlanta, Georgia and are checking in to British Airways Cargo terminal. A U.S.D.A. vet is meeting them there to oversee Wilbur's reception, documentation, and loading. If all goes well, BA takes custody of Wilbur and he is officially on his way. His flight doesn't leave till 10pm (USA Time) or 3am (UK Time) Ruben will be returning the rental van, and then coming back to the airport to board his own flight. We have inched another step closer. Please keep a good thought for us ..... there is so much red-tape to navigate before we are in the clear for the flight.

14/12/2023

Would you believe British Airways just cancelled Wilburs flight? Ruben and Wilbur are 2-hours from Atlanta and now have to stop while the USDA and DAPH work out next steps. Ruben will have to miss his flight tonight and possibly turn around and go back to Jacksonville. Can we please just catch a break?

14/12/2023

STEPS 1 and 2 COMPLETE: All health inspections completed and paperwork endorsed. Now STEP 3, to convince a very suspicious Wilbur to get into his shipping crate. Sweet potatoes for the win!

14/12/2023

TODAY'S THE DAY! WILL PIGS FLY? Ruben is pre-packed and the rental van is loaded. He and Wilbur are grabbing some sleep before the USDA and Livestock vet arrive in the morning. Wilbur has to pass his preflight exam and his USDA endorsement exam. With the 5-hour time difference between the UK and North Carolina, we won't know how it went till around lunchtime (GMT). I'll keep you posted ... but it's going to be a very long day. Please keep a good thought for us and a special dose of ju-ju for Ruben who is spinning so many plates!

13/12/2023

You asked .... Wilbur Delivered! Wilbur has his own merchandise. You can show your support and help with Wilbur's transport costs by checking out his Zazzle Shop at the link in the comments. The beauty of Zazzle is that with just a few clicks, you can put Wilbur's graphics on any product you like. Hoodies, Christmas ornaments, notebooks, kids sizes etc ... you can adjust the item and the color. Even better ... they prints in both the UK and U.S.A., so no-one is paying crazy international shipping costs! Please help us get the word out by sharing Wilbur's new Zazzle shop. With pet transport costs nearing $20,000 ... every penny helps.