Archie puts a smile on everyones face. He’s full of joy and loves to share it. I think he knows just how lucky he is and believes it’s his calling or maybe even destiny to bring joy to those that need it. You see, two days before Valentine’s Day 2023, someone reported a tiny pig found in a snow bank under the Arch Street Bridge. No one claimed him and it sadly become reality that he was abandoned. The little pig was brought to Amazing Grace Animal Sanctuary where he was welcomed with loving arms and quickly given the name ‘Archie’. He was underweight and his fur showed signed of poor nutrition. All of that turned around quickly with a lot of love, attention and good food.
Today Archie is a happy guy living the life and in training to become a therapy pig for outreach in the community. He’s enrolled in AMPA, American Mini Pig Association’s therapy pet certification program. They provide specific training requirements for miniature pigs. Their mission statement is: ‘To educate advocate, protect miniature pigs, improve breeding practices, as well as encourage responsible mini pig ownership, to further the progression of the breed through DNA parentage, confirmation and future documentation of ancestry.’
Archie will be required to learn to sit, come, recall, stay, leave it, out, back, gentle treat taking, harness and leash, stairs, ramps, walk in crowds, and accept the of touch to his body. Archie is really looking forward to completing his training and becoming certified through AMPA.
Archie gives his love and attention to anyone that needs it… children, adults, Veteran’s, other animals on the farm, everyone! He sort of thinks he’s a therapist… Maybe he is? It’s a known fact that playing with or talking with animals can lower stress hormones and lower blood pressure which both can have multiple health benefit. A pet that interacts with humans at any level can help reduce loneliness, increase feelings of social support, and stimulate a positive and happy mood. We are all looking forward to graduation day. I think I see a party in Archie’s future and everyone’s invited!
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ARCHIE’S FEED
‘I try to be a good friend to everyone even if they’re really different from me. I hope you can too.’
