Gatchel Pig Rescue & Sanctuary

04/27/2026

Piggy Lou is a uniquely precious individual. She radiates joy from the comfort of her cozy home on the couch inside the barn, where she loves to lounge around. With a heart full of love and a spirit of delight, she cherishes the warmth of her indoor haven. As a charming and affectionate companion, Piggy Lou is surrounded by loving friends. Yet, when mealtime arrives, she springs into action, excitedly approaching Dad as he prepares her special feast, savoring the joy of quality time together.

04/26/2026

My heart is overflowing with joy whenever I lay eyes on this precious boy! Meet Dude, the Gathel family's very first American Mini pot-bellied pig, whose life has been a testament to love and transformation. I discovered him on a riverbank in Elizabethton, TN, and little did I know, he would capture our hearts forever. As he celebrates his 7th birthday in June, I'm reminded of the day he came into our lives - just 2 days old, being cared for by a 10-year-old boy who fed him cow's milk from a baby bottle, with his umbilical cord still intact. With compassion and love, I gently took him under my care for a mere $100. It's astounding how one little pig can have such a profound impact on so many lives! Dude stole our hearts, and in return, we've been blessed with the opportunity to help and rescue countless others. After spending his first 5 years indoors, he's now thriving outdoors with his friends Charolette and Mason, spreading joy wherever he goes. Just look at his beaming face - pure happiness! We adore you, Dude.

03/11/2026

Tiny underwent an essential surgical procedure for neutering purposes. Admittedly, I harbor some anxiety regarding surgery days. Jack, however, rose to the occasion, demonstrating his accountability by staying home from school to tend to him. Their connection is especially resilient due to their extensive time spent together indoors during the winter months, for which I am thankful. Post-recovery, Tiny will rejoin his mother. Jack seems somewhat distraught about Tiny's impending move to the outdoor pig area, yet he will continue to enjoy indoor perks for snacks and quality time.

03/10/2026

Alot of new things have been going on around here. This is one of those new things to share. This is Pumpkin and he is a new member of the inside pigs. He has been with us a little over a month. He is thriving, and doing very well. He has a story, and the saddest yet to share out of all the others. I will share one day, but not today. I just want to celebrate him, and how much everyone here loves him.

01/24/2026

01/24/2026

I am doing a update on the help that we asked for on covering the Harley medical bills fund. We totaled out at $6,500.00 on the care, and hospital stay he recieved from Purdue Large Animal Hospital. This cost also included the 1,200.00 charge for the blood transfusion he recieved from his brother Fernanand that saved his life. I know times are rough and financially a struggle for many of us right now. We are raising 3 of our grandchildren, and have all cost of this rescue on us every day, every week and every month of the year. I just paid a 2,000.00 electric bill on cost of keeping everyone warm. If you are able please consider a small donation. Every dollar helps us reach the goal of getting this bill paid off. We are able to recieve your gift thru,

PayPal at GatchelPiggyRescue
Venmo at GatchelPiggyRescue
CashApp at GatchelPiggyRescue
also there is a good fund me link below.

Thank you! God bless, and everyone stay safe and warm this weekend.

01/24/2026

The perfect piggy pile. This is Tom, Harley, and Chop. He has left my bed and slept with these 2 for the past few nights. We have rotated shifts to make life work. I take and do day shift, and Dad does the nights. We are adopting Lylah, Lillian and Jackston so the past year for us and the rescue has been a big amazing adjustment. I have broke down and cried a few times and asked myself if I I can handle this. Well, the truth is, when you have love and compassion you can do and accomplish about anything.

01/22/2026

The first thing he wanted when he got home was Chopie's bed. Its a memerory foam couch-bed. So, I had to order another one for him to have his own. Chopie does not like him on it, but Mom insisted that he share till Saturday when his brother's new one arrives. Today is a little of a challenge, he has been thru alot over the past few weeks. He wants to be left alone and just rest. He is still on pain medication and his fluid intake is a big deal every day now. Harley is on 30 percent kidney function. He needs to be intaking 18 to 20 liters of fluid a day. We are also giving him lots of extra nutrients as his body needs those as well. Please keep Harley in your thoughts as we are working very hard to get him back to being the guy he was before.

10/28/2025

Some happy piggy babies.

10/28/2025

This is Dude, he was our first rescue six years ago. I had no clue as to what I was doing with this two day old new born piglet. He had an impact on changing the lives of Dad and I forever. The people we transformed into was all because that love we had for him.