by Kristen Tlachac
Discovering Saving Snouts
“Keep your heart kind, your hands gentle, and your boots muddy.” That was the inscription on my Christmas gift from my husband. Last year, we toured Saving Snouts, a special-needs pig sanctuary in Kaukauna — and we fell in love!
My love for pigs began over a decade ago when I saw a photo of a “teacup” pig adorably nestled in a large mug. I had no idea there was a pig rescue in the Appleton area, and when I heard about it, I jumped at the chance to help.
Most people agree cats and dogs are easy to love, but pigs?! Surprise — they are just as easy to love! They just have hooves, not paws. But for many “animal lovers,” their compassion sometimes ends at the plate. Farm animals are seen differently than companion animals, when they all want the same thing — they want to live.
Saving Snouts is an amazing sanctuary. Unlike factory farms that send pigs to their death, sanctuaries like Saving Snouts give pigs a life — an amazing life! A life filled with lots of friends, cozy beddies, and full bellies. The pigs lounge in their wallows and bask in the sunshine. Every need is attended to by the exceptionally compassionate founder, TJ Dercks, who goes beyond the extra mile for all of them.
Life wasn’t always so sweet for these pigs. Many were rescued from neglect, cruelty, animal attacks, or testing. While some were born with physical differences or bravely jumped from a moving truck headed to slaughter. At Saving Snouts, they have healed not only their broken bodies, but also their broken spirits. Although their backstories are heartbreaking, their lives are now full of joy. They know that not all hands hurt — kind hands can heal.
Saving Snouts opened my eyes to the true wonder of pigs. Did you know that piglets play with squeaky toys just like puppies? Pigs love treats, tummy rubs, and get the zoomies — they run to those they love.
I’ve learned that “teacup” pigs don’t exist — they are actually very young, malnourished baby pot-bellies. I have also learned that although they are an intelligent, friendly, and social species, pigs are killed worldwide by the millions every day. For the precious few that are saved, you’ll witness something extraordinary: a contentment that shines. You’ll see their loving personalities, and perhaps it will stir something deep in your heart.
When my husband and I share that we volunteer at a pig sanctuary, we chuckle at people’s total loss of words. Many look bewildered before proclaiming, “I didn’t even know that was a thing!”
But it is. Now they know, and you do, too. You may not know a pig personally (yet), but once you fall in love with one, it’s so very easy to keep them in your heart — and off your plate.
Consider compassion — watch for upcoming events and tour schedules at savingsnouts.org and get ready to fall in love with pigs!
This article was originally published in the May 2026 issue of Appleton Monthly Magazine.
