The Pigture Perfect Rescue and Sanctuary is a local non-profit organization that rescues pigs from abusive, neglectful or life-threatening situations. The sanctuary acts as a place of refuge for these pigs, providing proper nutrition and care to every pig they rescue. The sanctuary also rehomes pigs with caring new owners.

According to Pigture Perfect Rescue and Sanctuary’s Facebook page, the sanctuary’s motto is “Every pig deserves a home, but not every home deserves a pig.” 

The Pigture Perfect Rescue and Sanctuary is run full-time by Mandee Maehem. Her love of animals, especially pigs, is what jump started this organization in 2017. 

“I think they’re amazing, I love them. They’re very interesting and challenging,” Maehem said.

According to Maehem, Pigture Perfect Rescue and Sanctuary aims to rescue pigs from violent situations and if possible, eventually rehome them.  

“At this time, I don’t have the resources to do that because I want to do home checks … I don’t want to just say ‘Here. Here is your pig,’” Maehem said.

So far, Maehem has rehomed about seven pigs. According to Maehem, other pigs have not been so fortunate because of the abusive situations they were previously in.

Recently, Maehem’s organization has welcomed volunteers to help with maintaining the farm animals. 

“It costs around $1,000 a month to keep these things and help out with bed and bedding,” Maehem said. “It doesn’t include any vet bills so it’s expensive, and so that’s where I’m reaching out to the community to get help because I really want to keep this open.”

Ellensburg resident Sarah Norton is one person who has donated and volunteered at the Pigture Perfect Rescue and Sanctuary. Norton attended Pigture Perfect Rescue and Sanctuary’s recent volunteer work party and orientation where everyone was welcome to attend and lend a helping hand.

Norton said she understands the challenges that come with raising pigs. 

“It’s a lot. I’ve had potbelly pigs before,” Norton said. 

Norton said she enjoyed lending out a hand and plans to continue helping as much as she can.

Volunteer Theresa Plue also attended Pigture Perfect Rescue and Sanctuary’s recent event. 

“That was definitely a special time. It was like going to a farm zoo,” Plue said.

Maehem regularly posts on her Pigture Perfect Rescue and Sanctuary Facebook homepage about possible ways the community can reach out to help. For more information, reach Pigture Perfect Rescue and Sanctuary on Facebook.