A pet pig hoofed her way off her Springfield property last week, and it was a good Samaritan phone call to Greenhill Humane Society that helped bring ”Susie” home to her family a few days later Photo provided
SPRINGFIELD – You don’t have to be a pig to appreciate a nice ”sow-prise” just around Christmastime – like peering out of your window only to find a large pig in your yard.
That’s what happened to a Thurston resident last week, who on Dec. 23 called in to report a stray pig on their property. Greenhill staff assisted the family Monday and took the pig – temporarily and festively named ”Noel” – to the West Eugene facility.
Noel, whose name is really ”Susie,” and her family were reunited through social media, after a Greenhill staff member stumbled upon a ”lost pig” post.
”Pigs are not generally microchipped, which can make locating their owner a little more difficult,” said Cary Lieberman, executive director of Greenhill.
Not realizing the shelter takes in other animals in addition to cats and dogs, it took four days for Susie’s owner to connect with Greenhill.
”So far in 2019, we have cared for 18 different species and reunited over 850 companion animals with their families, including cats, dogs, birds, chickens, goats, rabbits, tortoises and now a pig,” Lieberman said.
Susie is now safe at home with her family, who says they will keep a closer eye on her in the future.
To reunite lost animals faster, Greenhill recommends that your companion animal should always wear current and accurate identification, including a tag with a working phone number and a microchip in case their identification comes off.
If your pet is microchipped, confirm that the contact information is up to date.
If you have lost or found a pet, immediately contact your local animal welfare office and Greenhill Humane Society:
• Springfield – Springfield Animal Control/Police Dept.: 344 A St., 541-726-3634
• Cottage Grove – Humane Society of Cottage Grove: 541-942-3130
• Unincorporated Lane County – Lane County Animal Services: 541-682-3645
• Eugene – Eugene Animal Services: 541-687-4060
• Veneta – Veneta Animal Control/City Hall: 88184 8th St., 541-935-2191
