When Gina Mocci started getting messages about a pig dumped at a junkyard, she wasn’t sure what to do. Mocci is a board member for Eastern Snouts Adoption and Rehoming and has ample experience with rescue, but she was at work and didn’t have any supplies with her. She wasn’t sure it was a good idea to attempt a rescue that day, but ultimately decided to give it a shot.
“After work, I headed straight there with nothing but my leftover Moe’s chips in the car,” Mocci told The Dodo. “Part of me debated going home first to grab a crate and supplies, but something in my gut told me not to wait. I’m so thankful I listened.”
When she arrived at the junkyard, the employees there were relieved to see her. They’d witnessed many animals dumped there over
the years — dogs, cats, even peacocks and alligators — but this was their first pig.
The pig was understandably wary, and Mocci needed to find a way to earn her trust. Since she didn’t have any supplies, she had to work with what she did have: a half-empty bag of chips.
“I crouched down on the ground, tossed a few chips toward her and held my hand out so she could sniff me,” Mocci said. “Within moments, she cautiously came closer. It didn’t take long to realize she wanted to trust someone.”
The pig, later named Amy Swinehouse, seemed to sense that Mocci was there to help her. She took the chips from her rescuer graciously as Mocci debated her next move.
“The staff mentioned there was a building we could guide her into safely to contain her temporarily,” Mocci said. “At first, I assumed it was nearby — until they pointed far off into the distance. The building was probably a quarter mile away, but this sweet little piggy followed me the entire way through the junkyard with only a trail of Moe’s chips and a little reassurance.”
Once Amy was safely inside, she began to open up even more. She accepted treats and belly rubs from Mocci and seemed so happy to finally be getting the love she deserved. Meanwhile, another rescuer made their way over to the junkyard, and together they loaded Amy into the car and drove her to her foster home.
“She was clearly scared and unsure, but deep down, I think she knew I was there to help her,” Mocci said. “She just needed someone patient enough to understand her.”
As soon as Amy arrived in her foster home, she began to thrive, and it didn’t take long for her foster family to decide to officially adopt her. Now Amy knows nothing but treats, belly scratches and endless love, and everyone is so thrilled with how things worked out.
