Pender Co. pig sanctuary gets wheelchair for disabled pig as support pours in

PENDER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A Wilmington family and the community are at it again helping out a pig sanctuary at capacity in Pender County.

In November, we told you AJ Burke, 13, built a pig shelter for the Happy and Sunshine’s Pig Sanctuary in Atkinson as part of his Eagle Scout project. The pig sanctuary has been receiving lots of help and support from the community since the story aired. 

Now, AJ’s mom is helping one of the disabled pigs get a new set of wheels.

Nicole Talley opened Happy and Sunshine’s Pig Sanctuary in February of 2020 with eight pigs. She now has 74 pigs. Talley said she Gordy came to the sanctuary when he was 5 weeks old. Talley said he was born with a bone missing in his back Left leg.

Talley said Mrs. Burke knew someone at East Carolina Veterinary Referral, and they donated their time yesterday to get a wheelchair to Gordy. Talley posted a video of Gordy with his new set of wheels.

“The love and support we have been shown here lately has us in awe,” Talley said. “But today wins the best by far.”

Talley said they will put his chair on him Saturday and see how he does in his own yard. She said it will take some time for Gordy and them to get used to it .

In another post on Facebook, Talley posted a picture of Gordy in his wheelchair saying, “The guy from ECVR sent this picture to me. He said he looked like he was smiling. This picture makes my heart so happy.”

If you want to help and volunteer your time or materials, or if you want to try to adopt one of the pigs, Talley says the best way to reach her is through the Happy and Sunshine Pig Sanctuary Facebook page HERE.