CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) -
A 500-pound pig who was rescued on I-26 during morning rush hour traffic has found a new home.
"Babe," who was rescued in August on I-26 eastbound near Aviation Avenue, was adopted into a new Johns Island home following its recovery at CAS facilities.
CAS officials said Rachel Goulet came forward and offered her home on Johns Island.
“I love pigs,” Goulet said. “I heard about Babe and I already have a pig named Ophelia, so I thought it may be a perfect match.”
CAS officials said when the day came for Babe to see his new home, he was reluctant to come off the Charleston Animal Society rescue truck he was transported in.
"That’s when Goulet, nicknamed 'the pig whisperer' by friends, stepped into the truck, tying a pig leash made of rope around him and slowly coaxed him out. She used a trail of watermelon to lead him to his new pen," CAS officials said.
“I was amazed at how much Babe immediately took to Rachel,” said Charleston Animal Society Senior Director of Animal Cruelty & Outreach Aldwin Roman. “The trust between them was immediate and I can’t imagine a happier ending for Babe than finding Rachel and Ophelia.”
As for Babe and Ophelia?
They are now sleeping next to each other in their pen during nap times.
According to CAS officials, Babe fell from the back of a truck right into traffic on Aug. 23.
"The owner never came to find the 500-pound pig, and many wonder if Babe was on the way to the slaughterhouse when he escaped and landed on the highway," CAS officials said.
Babe was in guarded condition and was nursed back to health at Charleston Animal Society for more than three weeks, according to CAS.
“It was a touch and go situation in the beginning,” said Charleston Animal Society Director of Veterinary Care Dr. Margie Morris. “We were worried about the extent of his leg injuries, which is serious in an animal this size.”
Staff veterinarians, with the assistance of Dr. Russell Bauman with Saddleback Mobile Veterinary Clinic, routinely examined Babe and found he needed anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics and time to heal, CAS officials said.
The Charleston Animal Society provided the following additional information:
The story of Babe is one of thousands that wouldn’t be possible without the support for Charleston Animal Society from people like Rachel and those that give of their time, homes and donations.
“Charleston Animal Society has treated 75,000 animals, including 52 different species, in the past 5 years — and is only able to treat and save animals like Babe because of your generous donations,” said Charleston Animal Society CEO Joe Elmore. “We help all creatures to the best of our abilities – and will continue to do so.”
In honor of Babe, and all animals who need care, Charleston Animal Society is holding a 48-hour “All Creatures” online fundraising event Wednesday through Thursday at midnight. A generous donor is matching all gifts up to $10,000 to double your donation through midnight Thursday. To give and help all creatures, go to CharlestonAnimalSociety.org.
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