Meet some of the animals!
Meet some of the wonderful animals that call Ralphy's home.
Our animals come to us from a variety of situations, including re-homing, abandonment, neglect, and sadly abuse.
We refer to all of our pigs as 'pot-bellied pigs' because we firmly believe this name most accurately represents what they are. Remember, there is no such thing as a 'tea-cup', 'micro' or 'mini-pig'!
All of our animals are available to sponsor. If you can't see your favourite Ralphy's resident in the gallery, please contact us and we will be happy to give you an update and set up sponsorship!
Hartley
Hartley joined our family in February 2022. She was a Holstein calf who was a by-product of the dairy industry. Hartley was one of many calves in a PAWS case and was near death upon her rescue. She spent many months being nursed back to health in her foster home before she was able to be adopted into our care.
Hartley is named for our special piggy Harley whom we lost in February 2022.
Rupert
Rupert joined our family in 2013 after he was removed from a Montreal apartment. Not only was Rupert illegal in the city, he was being kept in a bathtub.
Rupert was the first pig to enter our care after our name change to Ralphy's Retreat and he bears a striking resemblance in looks and personality to Ralphy.
Rupert is one of our most friendly and affectionate pigs.
Rudy
Sweet little Rudy had far too many homes for a wee piglet and we were number 5 on his list at just four months of age. Rudy's story is a common one - people think a pet pig is a fun idea, they find out its hard work or they aren't allowed a pet pig where they live, so back on kijiji the piglet goes :(
Thankfully, Rudy was surrendered to Animal Control and he was nursed back to health by his foster mom. During that time, Rudy learned to trust humans and really developed his personality!
Rudy LOVES his mom Shannon and wherever Shannon goes, you can be sure to find Rudy close by :)
Arnold
Arnold joined our family in 2014. A lady visiting a yard sale heard grunting and asked a man what the noise was. He lifted a tarp to reveal a cage with his 'pet pig' in it. Arnold was a boar and spent the first year of his life in the cage. Finally the man agreed to surrender Arnold to the lady and she got him to safety.
Arnold is still very shy around people he does not know. Unfortunately, a year spent standing on wire has caused damage to his feet, but he is otherwise a lovely, healthy boy.
Gordo
Gordo is a registered mini-pig and there isn't much mini about him! This sweet, hunky guy is a picture of health and happiness. He has two lovely girlfriends and loves to meet with visitors to the sanctuary.
Darryl
Darryl is a real character and a favourite of visitors to the sanctuary. He is the king of self-expression and isn't afraid to show you how he really feels through his hilarious facial expressions!
After a bit of a rough start, Darryl is now a fine figure of a fellow!
Valentino
Valentino joined our family in February 2022. He was a Jersey calf who was a by-product of the dairy industry. Valentino was one of many calves in a PAWS case and was near death upon his rescue. Val spent many months being nursed back to health in his foster home before he was able to be adopted into our care.
Val is a real character and loves to explore the sanctuary. He loves his horse and donkey friends, and visiting the piggies!
Penelope
Penelope came into our care during winter 2022. She lived in a private home, but when her owner was evicted she faced euthanasia.
Penelope was in poor condition when she arrived, desperately needing a hoof trim and skin care. She also has mobility issues and requires special care.
P-P is the sweetest girl who loves her daily massages with coconut oil and being sang to!
Alma & Sherri
Alma and Sherri were much loved family pets, but when their humans faced major health issues, they had to be rehomed. All of the other animals on their farm found loving homes, but time was running out for these lovely girls, so we stepped in.
The girls are very sweet and calm, accepting Gordo into their family with no fighting - unusual for pigs!