You may have seen us mention some unlikely animal pairings in the past, but this next one goes beyond cats and dogs. At Katie’s farm, a pig and a tortoise became best friends.
Their story started a long time ago when Katie first met Cleveland the pig. “Cleveland was literally found in downtown Cleveland,” said Katie. When rescuers found him, Cleveland had infected skin and a fracture.
“That’s how I got involved because I was really worried about his care,” said Katie. Since she already owned and had taken care of two pigs, she felt confident she could help Cleveland recover.
When the pig first arrived, Katie intended to be his foster mom, but it did not take long for Cleveland to become a “foster failure.” “He brought me so much joy,” said Katie.
Even before Cleveland arrived, Katie worried that her African sulcata tortoise, Marion, was feeling a little lonely. “I was worried that she needed a friend,” said Katie. And when Cleveland was healthy enough to come out of the basement, Katie saw an opportunity.
While the other two pigs were scared of Marion, Cleveland was immediately enamored, and once Marion realized Cleveland was not going to hurt her, she warmed up, too.
The two were close ever since. They spent time out in the yard, ate strawberries and soaked in Cleveland’s pool together. “I think Cleveland, pardon the pun, but brought Marion out of her shell,” said Katie.
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