A young pig named Marigold is safely recovering at The Alice Sanctuary in Calgary, Canada, following extreme neglect and a near-fatal situation. The young pig was rescued in early July 2026 through Saving Grace Animal Society, an organisation that raised over $800 for her care, provided immediate veterinary attention, and subsequently transferred her to The Alice Sanctuary. Marigold had previously endured a very rough start in life and was very nearly shot because the person who exploited her did not want to show her at an auction due to her poor physical condition.
Upon her arrival at the sanctuary, Marigold was frightened of human movements, sad, and broken-spirited, suffering from severely irritated skin. The team at the sanctuary placed her in her own private space to focus on her internal, external, and emotional recovery. To help her heal, carers have provided a calm environment, comfort, safety, and healthy food rich with zinc and vitamin E, along with diatomaceous earth treatments and anti-fungal baths. The sanctuary staff have been laying down beside her to show her they are not threats, aiming to build trust so she can one day enjoy belly rubs and nose kisses.
By late July, sanctuary staff reported that Marigold was showing bright curiosity as she explored her surroundings, snuffling happily around her space, comfortably snoozing in her shelter, and approaching the fence to investigate when humans walked by. On 29th July, staff noted that she appeared increasingly at peace in her new home. The following day, on 30th July, something magical happened as Marigold began allowing her carers to get closer to her.
The Alice Sanctuary posted, “It’s not enough to just keep an animal, sanctuary provides care for the soul, for the body, for the heart. Marigold had a very rough start in this world, saved from being shot while she watched everyone she knew go to auction.”
The Sanctuary also posted, “Her transformation is a symbol of care and love. Where just a few weeks ago she was going to be shot for how bad she looked, then to rescue and then sanctuary. When she came in she looked extremely rough, sad and broken spirited. How can people do this to animals! Why is neglect like this not a chargeable offence. Why is abuse of farm animals so prevalent and widespread? They are not objects to kick about and shoot — they feel, contemplate, experience life.”
