12/11/2023
This is the story of Jaffa.
She was rescued on 9th October 2023, after living wild and alone since at least the start of September ☹️
We never found out why she was there, whether she'd been dumped or just an abandoned escapee.
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But she was clever and quick, and had built herself a network of tunnels in the undergrowth spanning a good 10-15m along the side of the road. She used to pop out for grass and treats from friendly strangers, but then run back to the safety of her cover.
Being so dark and fast helped her survive, and she did so well to evade foxes and other predators for so long!
I couldn't ignore the sightings. As soon as I had the chance I went to find her, taking a lovely safe, dark box and some food. It took about 5 minutes for her to come to explore, and she loved her new box straight away. Another guinea pig hunter helped me secure the box, and then Jaffa came home with me ❤️
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She was petrified.
She had a quick bath and some flea and mite treatment to make sure she was rid of any nasties from the outdoors.
My cousin named her Jaffa because of her bright orange nose 😍🧡 But she's also known by some as Story, after the woods she was living in, and as Marsha, after the road where she was found.
Jaffa spent a few days decompressing. She hid and only snuck out for food under the cover of darkness. She was remarkably healthy though, if a little underweight.
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After a little while my older boy pigs came to her cage to say hello. She immediately lit up and started chatting to them. And she hasn't been quiet since!
She was gently moved closer and closer to the boys, and started sharing breakfast and dinner times alongside them. She had absolutely found her voice, and wheeks sounded out at the slightest rustle of food.
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Two weeks later she'd gained 70g and was much more relaxed, although still skittish and reactive, obviously still running on high alert after her wild adventure.
Four weeks later and she has a new friend, Rosie, and they live together in a lovely cosy home above my boys Norman & Seamus.
Rosie is confident and adores snacks, and after seeing Rosie take a snack from my hand, Jaffa finally (though still timidly) accepted a hand-fed snack for the first time, 4 weeks after her rescue.
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There were hundreds of people interested in her story, and so many people who took her snacks, and spent hours and days trying to rescue her ❤️
It was amazing to see the community rally around to save this little pig, and I know people will still be keen to find out how she is.
She has a way to go, and lots to learn, but she is warm, happy, with a full tummy, and loves her new piggy family. She is thriving, and very thankful for all the love and effort to see her safe 🥰
Jaffa & friends x
