Farewell to a Gentle Giant: Remembering Henry

This morning, a quiet soul left us.

Henry, the beloved pig who had been a cherished part of our sanctuary for over seven years, passed away peacefully. The day began like any other—breakfast was served, and Henry, as always, ate heartily. But sometime after, as we went to refresh the water in the barn, we found that Henry had quietly slipped away. He appeared to have been heading outside when he collapsed. It was sudden, and it broke our hearts.

Henry, along with his brother Cornelius, came to us in the early days of our sanctuary. They were the first large pigs we welcomed, and they introduced us to the joy and chaos that comes with sharing life with animals of their size and personality. Those early memories are vivid—Henry and Cornelius knocking over the wheelbarrow as we tried to clean their paddock, or playfully stealing the rake and chasing us around until one of us lost a boot in the mud. They had mischief in their hearts, and we loved them for it.

One of the most unforgettable moments came on Christmas Eve of our first year with them. We had just completed a new barn space for the boys, and we assumed they’d follow us there with the promise of dinner bowls. Instead, they took off on an impromptu adventure, wandering around the property and visiting the neighbors. Fortunately, they returned safely and settled into their new space. The next morning, Christmas Day, our neighbors’ children were thrilled to find what they believed were reindeer tracks in the snow.

Cornelius passed away a few years ago after both brothers fell ill. Since then, Henry never bonded with the other pigs the same way. He remained somewhat solitary, though he seemed to find a quiet companionship with Peter, a neighbor pig, in a love-hate sort of way. Still, Henry never lost his gentle nature. He was the largest pig at our sanctuary, but also the most affectionate. He adored his morning snuggles, loved the stillness of the evening, and never turned down the chance for a friendly visit or a belly rub.

Just last night, he was out enjoying his evening routine, wallowing in the mud and sharing a quiet moment with us, as he always did. His presence, though massive in form, was comforting in the softest ways. Every evening chat with him felt like a gift.

Though we are devastated by his sudden departure, we are deeply thankful that he did not suffer. He lived a full, healthy life and left us with dignity, surrounded by love. At 8.5 years old, Henry gave us more than seven unforgettable years of friendship, laughter, and warmth.

As we mourn, we also remember with gratitude. This afternoon, as we drove down the lane, a cardinal flew directly toward us. It felt like a sign—a gentle farewell from a friend who will never be forgotten.

Life at the sanctuary will never be the same without Henry. We imagine Cornelius was waiting for him, and that now, the brothers are together again, somewhere beyond this world.

We love you, Henry. Always.