At an animal sanctuary east of Wetaskiwin, lives a pot-bellied pig named Gordo.
The Farm Animal Rescue and Rehoming Movement (FARRM) takes in surrendered and abandoned farm animals needing specialized care.
Gordo has a heart condition called endocarditis.
“He came in as a very, very small pig, very stunted in his growth, so we knew that there was some form of underlying issues with him medically,” said FARRM owner Melissa Martell.
Since he has very specific needs, Gordo has to live on his own.
“Not ideal for pot-bellied pigs, but he just shares fence lines with the others,” Martell said.
“He needs blankets and different heat requirements than the other pot-belly pigs. He needs a very low-dust environment because his heart struggles quite a bit, so any complications with his lungs or with other organs put even further strain on his heart — which for him, could cause death.”
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As a result, Gordo has a …