November 5, 2004
Charlie was a much loved African Mini Pig. He was an innocent, sweet and docile sentient being, who asked nothing more than to be fed, watered, and loved.
Charlie’s life had started out a bit on the rough side, in a research laboratory. He and his best buddy, Gretta, were released from the lab and taken to Ching Farm Sanctuary in Salt Lake City. They lived with Faith for a few months, then went to live at Country Critters Rescue Corral in Sedro-Woolley, Washington, where they were found a wonderful Forever Home outside Rainier, Oregon.
On the night of November 5, 2004 Charlie was dragged from his home and murdered. Those of us who knew Charlie miss him dreadfully.
The following is a poem that Jo Marie Cope of Country Critters Rescue Corral wrote to Charlie and Gretta when she adopted them to Rosemary in Oregon.
Home At Last
Born for a purpose, so evil intent,
Where bodies are broken and spent.
To torture, damage and abuse,
Of the outcome there is no use.
Caged and penned with no comfort in sight,
Chained in a hell, you wanted to fight.
No trust in humans had you found,
Only fear and despair there was around.
Saved finally from this terrible fate,
Someone came to open your gate.
She took you into her life and home,
The only peace you had ever known.
For the first time in your life you began to know,
Some humans are there with love to show.
You traveled again across the states,
Where a loving Forever Home awaits.
Take heart! my little piggy friends,
The road you had to take finally ends.
No more trouble or pain for you is cast,
For you are now HOME AT LAST!
By Jo Marie Cope, © April 2004
Dedicated:
To Charlie and Gretta, two beautiful personalities who came a long dark
road to finally find their Forever Home.
To Faith who saved them and began showing them love.
To Rosemary who adopted them forever