10/17/2026
💔
There are some stories in rescue that don’t have the beautiful endings we fight so desperately for.
And today, with broken hearts, we have to share one of them. 😭💔
Our sweet Patrick passed away this morning.
Patrick was one of the pigs we had committed to rescuing from the horrific cruelty we shared with you earlier this week.
He was supposed to come home to us. To have a warm bed, a full belly, and a lifetime of knowing that human hands could offer kindness instead of pain.
He was supposed to have a beautiful second chapter.
But he never got that chance.
Patrick had suffered several wounds and was already receiving antibiotics. During his neuter surgery, it was discovered that the people responsible for his suffering had apparently attempted to neuter him themselves, unsuccessfully, leaving behind a devastating infection deep inside his little body.
Despite efforts to save him, Patrick became septic and passed away this morning.
And I am heartbroken.
But I am also angry.
Angry that an innocent animal could endure such unimaginable cruelty.
Angry that someone could inflict so much suffering on a creature who had done absolutely nothing to deserve it.
And angry that Patrick survived so much, only to lose his life just as people were finally trying to save him.
He deserved to grow old.
He deserved sunshine, soft grass, belly rubs, and a life without fear.
He deserved everything he never got to experience.
I want to sincerely thank the compassionate people who were caring for Patrick during his final days.
While we were miles away preparing to welcome him home, they were tending to his wounds, seeking medical care, and fighting for a little life that had already endured far too much.
I know their hearts are breaking, too.
To those who cared for him, thank you for being there when we couldn’t.
Thank you for showing him kindness when others had shown him cruelty. And please know that you did not fail Patrick.
The people who hurt him failed him.
You gave him a chance.
And to our incredible community who donated, shared his story, and helped us say “yes,” I want you to know that your love and generosity were not in vain.
You believed Patrick was worth saving. You believed there was still a beautiful life waiting for him.
And although we couldn’t change his ending, there is comfort in knowing that before he left this world, there were people fighting for him.
People who cared whether he lived or died. People who had never even met him, yet already loved him.
I wish so desperately that love had been enough.
We are still moving forward with bringing the other two pigs home, and we may be able to offer another desperately deserving soul the chance Patrick was so cruelly denied.
Because we cannot allow the cruelty of others to make us stop choosing compassion.
I hope those responsible for Patrick’s suffering are held accountable.
No living creature should ever endure what he did.
And sweet Patrick, wherever you are now, I hope there is soft grass beneath your feet, warm sunshine on your face, and not a single reason left to be afraid.
I’m so sorry we never got to meet you. I’m so sorry the world was unkind to you.
You were wanted, Patrick.
You were worth saving.
And you were loved by people you never even got to meet.
You may never have walked through the gates of Ellie’s Potbellies, but you will forever have a place in our hearts.
We couldn’t save your life, sweet boy. But we will continue fighting for others in your honor.
Rest peacefully, Patrick. Your suffering is finally over. 💔🌈🐷
