Inspiring Kindness and Compassion towards Animals, Our Planet, and Each Other
Inspiring Kindness and Compassion towards Animals, Our Planet, and Each Other

Read Dunkin's Story (In Memoriam)

For the first part of Dunkin's life he lived with a human family and thought that he was one of their dogs. He rolled over for tummy rubs, chased cars going by on the dirt road and went for trail rides with the horses.

When he was 5 months old, they started to fatten him up for slaughter. He was isolated in a small concrete enclosure, his whole body was bruised and wounded, and his legs lame and sore. He was extremely relieved when he was rescued by The Gentle Barn and was able to play in the mud and sleep in soft straw bedding. Dunkin's body was genetically engineered to make him grow very big very fast, so that he could be slaughtered at 6 months of age. As he grew to adulthood he had a huge body on little feet. He developed arthritis and it became hard for him to walk. Despite our dedication to providing him with a special diet, exercise, and care, by the time he reached 5 years of age he could no longer walk.

Once he was down, his body started to shut down internally as well. Even though his spirit was still strong and vibrant, he had no quality of life and we knew it was time that he leave the body that was no longer serving him.

During the four and a half years with us, Dunkin taught 50,000 people about the magic and intelligence of pigs. He was confident, fun, opinionated, and strong willed, and at the same time he was a big baby that thrived when being lavished with attention. He was magnificent. As he left us, I apologized in the name of the human race for what was done genetically to his body. He was so young, proud and full of life, with a body that was set up to fail from day one.

We yearn for the day that all beings will be free, to live together in safety, peace and dignity.

Sponsorship Benefits

When you sponsor an animal for yourself or as a gift, you will receive a Certificate of Sponsorship, which includes your animal friend's bio, and a beautiful photo!

You will also receive monthly updates by email letting you know how your animal friend is doing as well as an updated photo.