They say it takes a village to raise a child — but in East Petersburg, Pennsylvania, it took a village to rescue a pig.
It all began over a month ago in Bent Creek, Pennsylvania, when residents started spotting a plump, pink stranger trotting through their lawns. The mystery pig darted between backyards and across driveways, charming everyone who saw him — and confusing quite a few dogs in the process.
Concerned for his safety, the neighbors called Lancaster Farm Sanctuary (LFS), whose rescue team quickly arrived with food, patience, and a plan.
“We set up a pen to try and get him,” LFS wrote on Facebook. “Neighbors put up trail cams and did their best …”
For weeks, the community worked together to catch the clever pig, but he outsmarted every trap they set. Then, one day, he disappeared completely — no hoofprints, no trail cam sightings, nothing.
The rescuers feared the worst.
But just when hope began to fade, a call came in from East Petersburg — a few miles away. The elusive pig had resurfaced!
“Lucky for him,” LFS wrote, “once again, kind neighbors in that area started working together to try and help secure him.”
And just like that, a second neighborhood rescue squad formed.
Tom Tagliari, Karen Grimaldi, Jessica Turner, and Libby Rannels teamed up, determined to earn the pig’s trust. He was cautious but curious — especially around Karen, who patiently visited him every day with bowls of food and fresh water.
“One kind woman named Karen did an amazing job of slowly earning his trust with food and water, and even got close enough to hand-feed him!” LFS shared.
When the moment was right, Tom set up a pen in Karen’s yard. The team waited quietly. Early the next morning, they finally secured him — the little escape artist who had kept two neighborhoods on their toes.
They named him Petey.
Once safe inside the pen, Petey seemed tired but calm, as if he knew his wandering days were over. LFS rescuers rushed to pick him up and bring him to the sanctuary, where he could finally rest.
“He is exhausted and still not sure of his new life,” LFS wrote. “He was captured near a very busy road, and we can’t imagine how much time he has spent on high alert these past many weeks.”
Despite the stress of life on the run, Petey hadn’t lost his gentle spirit. Neighbors even reported that he’d been seen playing with cats and dogs along the way — an unlikely friendship tour that made his story even sweeter.
“If it were up to me, he would still be roaming the neighborhood,” joked Sal Grimaldi. “I was looking for Pig Crossing signs to put up around town!”
But everyone agrees: as much as they miss seeing him wander by, they’re relieved to know he’s finally safe.
You can see him snuggled up in his new pen here:
At Lancaster Farm Sanctuary, Petey now spends his days snuggled in fresh straw, finally sleeping without fear.
It took two towns, dozens of kind hearts, and one very patient pig to make this rescue happen — a reminder that compassion and community can make even the wildest rescue possible.
“I’m so glad we were able to safely capture Petey and get him to the best home at Lancaster Farm Sanctuary,” Rannels wrote.
To help more animals like Petey find safety and love, you can donate to Lancaster Farm Sanctuary [here].
