On September 14, 2018, Hurricane Florence struck the east coast of the United States, unleashing torrential rains, catastrophic flooding, and ferocious winds—creating memories that many still regard as a nightmare. As people fled the coast, millions of animals were tragically left behind to fend for themselves, forced to endure terrifying moments as they succumbed to the contaminated floodwaters. In the storm’s aftermath, as the waters began to recede, groups of hogs from surrounding factory farms emerged from the forests and rivers, making their way into nearby neighborhoods.
We chose not to evacuate during the hurricane and, at that time, were residing in one of those very neighborhoods. When we saw the urgent cries for help on social media, we knew we had to act. Much of the area was gridlocked due to washed-out bridges, downed trees, and destroyed roads, so we partnered with organizations that struggled to reach the scenes where these pigs were sighted. Within a month, we managed to rescue nearly a dozen of these “hurricane pigs,” providing treatment, transportation, and a safe haven at nearby animal sanctuaries in various eastern states. At that moment, we were simply a married couple yearning to make a difference, not yet an organization or sanctuary.
Shortly after we arranged the transport of what we believed to be the last group of hurricane pigs, an unexpected opportunity arose: the chance to negotiate the legal surrender of “cull” piglets from a nearby factory farm. Despite our limited experience in large-scale rescues and our scant resources, we felt compelled to take a leap of faith and save them ourselves. We understood that this might be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and we had a voice that could make a difference. On October 16, 2018, we drove to the farm and rescued 42 three-month-old piglets, all deemed expendable and marked for gassing, only to be discarded in a dumpster as worthless “live” inventory. As horrifying as that may sound, it is a routine practice in nursery factory farms across the globe.
The challenge ahead was immense. These young pigs were treated as mere trash, and many suffered from serious medical conditions that required urgent attention. Several had open wounds, massive hernias, pneumonia, respiratory diseases, and ear infections. Stripped of the chance to experience the sun on their skin or the sensation of grass beneath their hooves, they were blissfully unaware of the world waiting beyond the confines of the factory. Witnessing them discover their surroundings and experience kindness for the first time was both exhausting and exhilarating. An urge to protect them at all costs was awakened deep in my heart.
Thanks to generous donations from our community, we managed to raise the necessary funds through social media to cover all medical expenses for the piglets. Our lives became completely dedicated to their care, involving round-the-clock feedings, emergency vet visits, administering antibiotics, cleaning, and building shelters. Though we faced the heartbreak of losing a few of our little champions—despite our unwavering love and efforts on their behalf—we found solace in knowing they were able to enjoy weeks or even months of freedom, playing in mud, bonding with one another, and receiving gentle tummy rubs and affection from us.
Through extensive networking, the kindness of compassionate individuals, and overwhelming generosity, we successfully found homes for all the healthy piglets. We began coordinating health certificates and transportation routes to ensure their safe arrival at new families. Meanwhile, as we attended to the daily care of the cull piglets, we started receiving even more calls about additional hurricane survivor pigs. After enduring toxic floodwaters, these resilient animals had managed to survive for nearly two months in the backwoods. As the nights grew colder and food became scarcer, more groups of hungry, emaciated pigs began appearing, often injured or ill. Although we were already stretched thin, we couldn’t turn them away and found ourselves rescuing new groups, sometimes twice a day. Over the course of a few weeks, 30 additional pigs were safely retrieved, treated, and housed.
Prior to these events, we were renting a home in the suburbs on a golf course, and we were fortunate enough to meet friends who allowed us to stage each new group of pigs at their property. However, with every new call, our temporary staging area became increasingly crowded. With shelters and sanctuaries reaching capacity, and turning us down, we realized the urgency of creating a permanent, safe haven for the remaining pigs. What once seemed like a distant and unserious dream had transformed into an immediate necessity: we needed to move out of the city—fast.
Around this time, we stumbled upon a stunning property that felt perfect for our growing porcine family. With 47 acres of lush pastures, ponds, barns, and stables, it was a dream come true. There was, however, a significant concern: it was located in the heart of hog country, Duplin, North Carolina. Could we really start a pig sanctuary surrounded by nothing but pig factory farms? Although the prospect of moving filled us with anxiety about potential challenges, we recognized the importance of taking bold action. What better place for an animal refuge than where help was truly needed?
We moved 17 pigs to our new home and that was the beginning. We named the property Sisu Refuge not only as a reflection of the journey that brought us here but also as a testament to our identity as a family. We have pushed ourselves beyond reasonable limits to protect these animals, and we are committed to continuing the fight for a kinder world for all beings. We will challenge the industry standards and aspire to become the benchmark for exceptional sanctuary care and management, with guidance and strong collaborations with fellow founders and rescue organizations.
- Sisu (noun): Sisu embodies extraordinary boldness and resoluteness in the face of extreme adversity. It is an action-oriented mindset that allows individuals to see beyond their current limitations and envision what could be. Sisu emerges where perseverance and grit leave off; it represents the second wing of mental toughness that springs forth when one reaches the boundaries of their mental or physical capacities. Sisu is the essence of determination, fortitude, and persistence—an almost magical quality that combines stamina with courage, reserved for challenging times. It is the act of taking decisive action against the odds.
