Ralphie’s Retreat, a sanctuary for rescued animals at Wyebridge, has found itself in a real-life winter wonderland—except the pigs aren’t exactly feeling festive. With relentless snowfall burying their enclosures, the 80 pigs at the sanctuary are facing a frosty dilemma: too much snow, too little room to roam, and a whole lot of piggy distress.
“They’re crying, shivering, and even picking fights with each other,” said Shannon Leguizamon, the sanctuary’s manager. “Pigs are incredibly smart and social animals. When they can’t move around, they get bored and frustrated—just like us.”
To combat the swine sadness, the sanctuary team has pulled out all the stops. Volunteers have been digging out enclosures by hand, since even the tractors have been no match for the relentless drifts. But the efforts don’t stop at shovelling—staff have been offering the pigs massages, extra treats, and even live storytelling sessions. Yes, you read that right: these pigs are getting bedtime stories.
“The Three Little Pigs,” Leguizamon chuckled. “But we mix it up. Some Animal Farm, some classic fairy tales—whatever keeps them entertained.”
And if that weren’t enough, the sanctuary is adding music to the mix. Barrie radio station 107.5 Kool Fm has answered the sanctuary's wishes for its popular Shower Radios, with the hope that some good tunes will help lift the pigs’ spirits until spring arrives.
Meanwhile, Ralphie’s Retreat is calling on the community for reinforcements. A volunteer snow-shovelling mission is set for Saturday (Feb.15) at 10 a.m., with helpers encouraged to bring their own shovels—or, even better, a snowblower.
With a little elbow grease, some good tunes, and a few more bedtime stories, these pigs will be back to their happy, grunting selves in no time. Want to lend a hand? Check out Ralphie’s Retreat on Facebook or their website to join the rescue effort.
Because no pig should have to suffer through a snowpocalypse without a little help from their human friends!
