Spot the pig had already found his true partner when he was just a newborn.
Spot was 8 months old when he met Sientje the piglet. Spot had been rescued from a family who had acquired him as a pet on a whim. Their new mother, Rachel Vos of Aubel, Belgium, immediately saw the similarities.
For the next 13 years, the pigs rarely left each other’s sides. Whether grazing out in the pasture or lying out in the sun, wherever Sientje went, Spot followed close behind.
And his devotion remained until the day Sientje passed away. She had severe osteoarthritis, and it had progressed so far that she needed to be put to sleep.
Knowing how much suffering Sientje was in and that Spot will soon experience without his true partner made the decision difficult to make.
The day finally came in October last year. After the family said their final goodbyes, Vos wrapped Sientje in some blankets and scattered brightly colored flowers all around her body.
When Spot realized she was gone, he wouldn’t leave her side.
Sientje was just standing over by him as he placed his nose on her body and closed his eyes. He began to circle and stroke her face.
Vos stated, “At first he didn’t know what was going on. I was unable to stop weeping. They were a unit at all times.
In the weeks after Sientje’s death, Spot was still in mourning.
“When she was no longer there, it took a while before he was the old cheerful Spot again,” Vos said. “It was difficult for him.”
This is a really typical pig tale. Because they are extremely emotional creatures, they enjoy social interactions and develop close relationships with their families, friends, and human caregivers. And if they are removed from them, as was the case with Spot, they will long for them for weeks and even months.
Vos has opted against adding a new pig to his life at this time due to Spot’s advanced age and certain personal medical issues, but he still enjoys the company of the family’s dogs and cats.
“He’s very old and stiff, so we don’t want to add any extra stress,” Vos said. “The cats will go right into the stable and sleep in the straw with him. They’re surely a different companion, but he’s doing so well with them.”
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