Finding Peace and Calm at a Pig Sanctuary

Many people take retreats to refresh, relax, and get back to nature. Guideposts staffer Doug Snyder takes a slightly different approach: Twice a year, he travels to Ross Mill Farm, a pig sanctuary in eastern Pennsylvania that serves as a foster home for Pig Placement Network, a non-profit organization that works to find homes for potbellied pigs. There, Doug communes with his porcine pals and enjoys the farm's beautiful grounds.

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“I have always loved potbellied pigs," says Doug. "They are such warm, friendly and intelligent animals. The first time I went to the Ross Mill pig sanctuary, an adorable little black pig walked right up to me and followed me around the rest of the day. By the end of my visit, I felt I had made a bunch of new friends, but especially one special BFF.”

The farm is a pig rescue and sanctuary where the pigs roam free.

Ross Mill Farm, originally established in 1740, is located in Bucks Country, Pennsylvania, an hour north of Philadelphia. The farm boasts 30 acres of woods and streams, with historic buildings that have been modified to allow for the care of pet pigs.

The pigs like being around people, and they love being photographed.

Not only does the farm bring Doug back to nature, it also gives him the chance to pet, hug and play with his favorite animals.

The farm is home to pigs of all different sizes, shapes, personalities and ages.

The main farmhouse allows piglets and kids to get to know each other, so that the piglets may become sufficiently socialized to be household companion pets.