Wai The Armadillo Pig and I are getting into a rhythm of procedures three times a day and a walk around the field three times a day. He is getting to learn a few Sheila commands “Go to Bed”, “Off for a walk”, “Where’s your bowl”. Though he ignores them all. But stands absolutely still, making little squeaking noises, as I gently trim him, bit by bit, to freedom. He still shuffles along in his old man way, with a little bit of a limp, sniffing his way around the field. He still cannot see. I do not see his eyes open at all. (That helmet on his head does not help). But he does hear that is for sure. And pigs have a great sense of smell.
I have a call in with the first vet that saw him. We need to get to the bottom of these injuries. I hate not knowing what started this. 
Today I go to get more supplies for him. Although he arrived with a runny bottom he has not pooed since Monday, so my vet, who thinks he is a Burn Victim – maybe a massive sunburn? if he passed out from overeating? – has recommended an enema before the bowel problem gets out of hand. (The things we talk about here!) The vet thinks all the antibiotics and medications and overeating of grain, then lack of eating and fright have bound him up. He needs to get all his insides balanced or we will be in even more trouble.
However after studying the pig’s photos in shocked silence, the pig vet thinks we are on the right track treatment wise. Though it will be a long, long time before he enjoys a sunny day again. If he can shed all this hardened skin without trouble then we will be winning.
The good news is that he smells a bit better!
A BIG, BIG THANK YOU from Wai and I to all those of you who have donated towards his care. This is simply wonderful and such a big help with all his expenses. There is a lot of work ahead of Wai and I (and BooBoo) and it is a wonderful feeling to know you all are there with me, whether with good wishes, great advice, pressing the paypal button, mailing donations or goods. I am so grateful. You are all part of my wonderful team. 
And on to other news – or lack thereof:
It did not rain yesterday afternoon!
And my replacement phone still has not arrived. It is inconvenient but not too dramatic to be without my phone. At least that is what I am telling myself.
Look at Alex. See her inflated udder pressed out below her. Maybe a calf within the next week or so.
Aunty Anna does not like her private parts being discussed in public so we will return to her another day when she is not watching me over her shoulder.
Our beautiful Rosy and her chick. Rosy is a startling and competent young woman, I am so lucky to have her on this week of all weeks. In fact I would be happy to have her any week.
I hope you have a lovely day.
Love celi
Weather Forecast: Maybe Not Dry.
Friday 06/23 30% / 0.01 in
Isolated thunderstorms in the morning, then skies turning partly cloudy late. High 83F. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%.
Friday Night 06/23 10% / 0 in
A few clouds. Low near 60F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph.
The Kitchen's Garden 
61 responses to “The farm adjusts”
Oh ce, I am so sorry for Wai. What terrible things he must have experienced but how lucky he is to have you and your caring ways to look after him. I’m watching and reading about his progress. On behalf of Wai, thank you.
HI Judith – spoke too soon about the rain we have a massive tropical downpour as I write, just as i am ready to go out and start MOrning chores.
Hi Ce. We are having great winter weather here. And as I was writing my post this morning I thought about you. Is my memory correct? Did you live in the Wairarapa years ago? Anyway, look after Wai and let him know we are all wishing him well
You have enlarged Wai’s world so much, giving him things to hear, to taste, to smell. Sight will follow, and then he’ll truly be a new pig. I’m so glad to see how everyone is coming together to make this cure happen.
I hope it works – we are not out of the woods yet – not at all
Poor old Wai! Would yoghurt help to straighten out his intestinal flora? Antibiotics are necessary at times, but boy, they do a number on digestion!
Truthfully, he looks better. Maybe it’s his demeanor. He doesn’t look like a pig who has given up anymore. There’s a tiny glimmer of hope in him.
I do give him yogurt with his fruit but any more than a teaspoon full and up goes his nose.. there are any number of foods that would help with his gut but I don’t think he is used to real food at all – he just refuses to even sniff the bowl – same with adding anything to his water – he will not drink unless it is straight water – I am buying prunes today – he might eat those with his fruit – probably every day for the rest of his life
I’m hoping that rooting about for his own fresh ‘veg’ will give lots of pre/ probiotics of the piggy-kind (not to mention that oh-so-important excercise; )
Wow. It is so easy to see how much you love animals. I hope your pig vet gets to the bottom of your pigs injuries. Loved the animal photos
Thank you – we do have pretty gorgeous animals! c
I love Wai. And you of course. And all the animals. Feel quite privileged to read about bowels and burns and udders. It all matters and is worthy of our time. x
It is isn’t it – no shying away from it here! Hope you all are having a great summer.. c
I have been thinking of Miss Sheila a great deal lately. Have I missed something? Wai is in the best possible hands. We are bracing for our first extreme heat this summer. I won’t go outside myself after 7 a.m. I can’t imagine anyone putting an animal out in the sun to burn like that.. Gives me a heavy heart.
Sheila is down in the back field with Poppy, they have arranged separate wallows for themselves and are very happy about the wet season! this summer
Thank you. She has been on my mind lately.
Holding thumbs that his blindness is truly temporary. Love how Alex and Aunty Anna are patiently waiting together in the pre-delivery ward. Laura
Yes – i want to go out and check that they are in but it is POURING down outside.. c
I do hope that you and the pig vet get to the bottom of Wai’s problems. He is so lucky to be with you!
I love my pig vet.. c
His skin looks like a big scab peeling off – your vet could be right about sunburn.
A big smooth hard as rock scab – but it is slowly softening.. c
He’s beginning to look like a pig again.
Yes he is – when he is better I am hoping he will join Tima and Tane. I think they would do alright all together. c
That would be good – fingers crossed!
Ah yes, I had also been wondering about his skin looking like extreme burn tissue… In connection with all the other signs of neglect, might being left outside in full sun without access to either shade or a sunscreening source of mud be the cause? *sigh* How could anyone do this to another living being? Many more hugs
It is hard to piece the story together but combine that with a couple of feed bags? Ate and Ate until he could not walk? I am getting closer though – I have almost found the people who found him.. c
I’ve very little experience with pigs in general and absolutely zero with the pot-bellied type… Is it a feasible explanation, d’you think – eating himself into such a state? Would an ‘unlimited’ straight grain diet (mash, or whatever) and no access to fresh rootings have driven him to it?
Either way, shows a total lack of responsibility on someone’s part, hey? Good luck in your search for the truth.
Ms Rosie – you have a beautiful smile! The summer – ick – is here today – 100 with a heat index above 110. The price to pay for no winter I guess.
100! Nasty – hope that does not come over here!!
As always, lovely pictures! That last one with the chick is beautiful.
I thought so – thank you Michele
It seems obvious that Providence sent the competent Ms. Rosy to help you during this fraught week, doesn’t it? The vet’s suggestion that it looks like massive sunburn makes more sense than rat poison as the cause. These pigs often have trouble seeing because of fat deposits in their faces. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vietnamese_Pot-bellied
I am certain that you will help poor Wai regain his health and trust in humans and find a forever home for him. Like so many others here, it is inconceivable to me that someone could do this to an innocent animal.
Your weather sounds like the monsoon we’re having in Shanghai, where I am at the moment for a 3 week teaching gig. Whoever said, “The farmers need the rain,” should have added, “in moderation!”
Indeed to all you’ve just written! As my GramMa said, “All things in moderation”… To which I always replied, lol “Even moderation”; )
Shanghai!! How exciting. c
I love that..getting to know commands but ignores them… Like any man he hears and understands what he wants to!
Getting to the root of the problem would be wise and he was not born like that . It will be interesting to find out the facts.
Enema…ugh! Poor Wai….but it will get his bottom sorted out..thats for sure.
Your Rosy helper is a really beautiful young lady who looks as though she really enjoys her work. Thank you Rosy for being there to help Miss C
I would love to send donation but I cannot use PayPal we are no longer friends beacsue my bank is in Uk and I am in Bulgaria ????
Sent: Friday, June 23, 2017 at 1:37 PM
I know – not to worry – have a lovely evening..
I feel sure that you are going to be able to get Wai to a better place. He is right where he is supposed to be–with you.
Yes – a few more hurdles and lets hope he gets back on his feet.. c