Edgar Alan Pig passed away this week in Melbourne

[Carolyn Bailey]

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Caught in a whirl of emotions I struggle to find the reason why….and yet the answer is simple.  His work is done.  They say each of us is put on this earth for a purpose and in finding that purpose we too begin to find our way home.  Yesterday Edgar Alan Pig found his way to his second home, having graced mine for the last seven years… I have always believed that animals challenge us on so many levels, and today I faced my greatest challenge.  Whilst I realise that pigs do not live as long as humans I never wished it would be my decision for his to end.  But in doing so I believe I have granted Edgar the greatest of mercies and that was not to suffer. While his trotter prints will no longer dot the paths of Edgar’s Mission I will carry them in my memory forever, as I will all the other oh so special memories I have of the most amazing pig one could ever meet.  His raucous belly grunts he would offer at the mere sound of my voice I miss so badly.  Edgar my Edgar, I will miss you more than anyone can ever imagine. That Edgar was a magical pig is evidence by the profound effect he had on people’s lives, none the least mine.  I remember well his early days as an activist pig. “A pig walking on a lead, now that’s a first”, I would hear over and over again everywhere we went and dear Edgar would grunt out in friendship at everyone he met.  Well, that was while he was awake. Edgar had two great passions in life, eating and sleeping.  I remember the charming and witty picture taken by Reuters that went around the world of the humble Edgar fast asleep in the gateway of parliament house in Macquarie Street in Sydney.  A big burly security guard standing over him, arms akimbo, telling me the pig had to move and with me, arms outstretched palms facing skyward for divine intervention pleading, “but you don’t understand Edgar is sleeping!”  Even the politicians were smiling as they stepped over the snoring Edgar. It was escapades such as this that showed me the real way to change people’s hearts and minds about the way they think of farm animals, was the animals themselves.  Edgar awoke in me a passion so great that I would forsake all else and find the courage to embark on one hell of a journey.  With no road map to guide me and armed with the careful observations of people interacting with Edgar I set out to create a place of sanctuary, empowerment and hope.  When you meet a quirky affable pig, a kindly cow, a cheery chicken or a friendly sheep you cannot help but be touched.  There is indeed no better spokesperson for animals than the animals themselves.  Getting people to meet them is the challenge, Edgar’s Mission became my answer. Edgar was always the most gentle pig.  I remember the day when our fences were not quite what they should be. Edgar decided to wander down the road for a look see, it was panic stations everywhere until I saw the most glorious sight of my mother and Edgar ambling back down the road.  Edgar merrily following the trail of bread enticements mum was using as her bargaining tool as Edgar stopped every now and then to nonchalantly smell the sweet country air.  Oh how I loved and will love forever that pig. The fact that so many people will struggle to read this piece, through tear filled eyes is a testament to all that Edgar achieved.  Showing people the magic of pigs and how inspirational they are and so worth fighting for.   Do animals know?  People often ask me this question.  I’m not a scientist so I can give no definitive answer, but I do see countless examples of things that have to be far more than a coincidence.  Did Edgar know his time was coming, unable to stand he somehow manoeuvred his way into the alleyway (I don’t know how we would have ever moved his body from the stable) and planted his snout firmly against my favourite picture of him, me and ET taken the day after his arrival.  Did Edgar know that the work of Edgar’s Mission has grown exponentially over the last 12 months?  Did he wish to free me to dedicate my time to helping the not so fortunate Edgar’s?  Did Edgar know of his debilitating kidney condition and keep it hidden, holding on to reach his seventh birthday?  And while no one can prove one way or the other the potential is there and I truly believe that animals are far more akin to nature than we most certainly are. Edgar’s and mine, is a love story.  The story of love that all humans and animals have just waiting to happen and a reminder too that kindness is indeed the key to a better world for us all. I often have wondered what would have happened had Edgar not been the charming individual that he was.  Both a trailblazer and a myth buster was Edgar.  That Edgar was incredibly clean, personable and intelligent was not lost on all who met him and he indeed had a sense of humour.  The one thing that I have learned through getting to know all the animals that have passed through the gates of Edgar’s Mission is that they ALL are individuals with unique personalities and traits that go way beyond those dictated by their species.  And this is something too, that volunteers and visitors to the sanctuary find as well, all the legacy of Edgar Alan Pig. I thank you Edgar for giving me a life of purpose, hope and belonging.  Hail Edgar Hail! Pam Ahern Co-founder, Edgar’s Mission Farm Sanctuary This is indeed a difficult time for all of us here at Edgar’s Mission and while farm life will go on as normal as it can under the circumstances, I am not really up to talking at the minute, I thank you for your understanding.

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[red dog]

So sorry :(

[Sasha James]

It was so sad to receive this news. I was sitting at my desk and burst into tears when I received the email. Pam does such an amazing job, and Edgar reached people all over the world. It is an important message that Edgar represented. Edgars Mission will continue to challenge the public on the factory farmin and use of animals as property front, and I'm grateful to be associated.