For Bobbie Girl, Strength Is a State of Mind
/By Sue Cleland
If Bobbie Girl made a mixed-tape, I think her top three songs would be:
“Brave”, by Sara Bareilles.
“Break My Stride”, by Matthew Wilder.
“I’m A Survivor”, by Destiny’s Child.
If you’re one of Bobbie’s many fans, you would know from meeting her in person or seeing her numerous Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or TikTok videos just how much charisma she starts and ends her days with. We may be reminded of the cards that were stacked against her but this incredible lady only looks forward.
Bobbie’s Path to Becoming Extraordinary
After falling off a transport truck and breaking both her hind legs, Bobbie was rescued from the highway and went to live at a sanctuary in Quebec. Unfortunately, that sanctuary failed and Bobbie Girl needed our help. That’s when she arrived to her forever home at Happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary, in 2014.
“Bobbie just has the sweetest eyes! She knows how much her Daddy loves her”, said Executive Director, Derek Walter.
In 2020, sweet Bobbie Girl suffered an infection and needed our help once more. The infection led to the toe, on her hind right hoof, to be amputated. That same day of her surgery, true to who she is, Bobbie got up and walked on all four legs as if to say, “Okay, let’s get on with it! Let’s go back home”, all while learning how to walk on her one remaining toe.
There isn’t much that stops her determined, sweet self. She looks beyond her many challenges and loves life through it all.
After her surgery, our special girl became even more special. She lives in the Main Barn in a space of her own to protect her as much as possible from another infection, and to keep her from any scuffles with friends. She does socialize with the main herd by sniffing snouts through fences, vocalizing back and forth to keep up with sanctuary gossip, and sleeping on the other side of the wall as her friends every night.
The humans in her life do any and everything they can to keep her carpe diem attitude thriving. Caregivers check on Bobbie Girl numerous times throughout the day to ensure her safety, health and comfort are met, and take her out for walks to the pastures and bogs. Volunteers bring her fresh water, hay, treat balls, enriching forage boxes, massage therapy sessions, and offer belly rubs (p.s. her skin is SO soft!).
As a special needs pig, Bobbie Girl also requires laser therapy for her hoof and leg, osteopathic therapy once a month, and veterinary visits as needed. We respond to Bobbie Girl with the same empathy and kindness she shows us every single day.
Throughout her 10 years of life, Bobbie faced and fought through more life-altering challenges than most of us could ever imagine. She may not be able to live in a herd but Bobbie knows she’s not alone.
She did all the hard work. It’s our job to ensure she stays healthy and lives each day feeling her best.
If you’d like to help ensure Bobbie and the other residents at HEEFS get all the individualized care they deserve, consider becoming a monthly donor or make a one time donation.
