More Than Mud Puddles: The Important Role Pigs Play at Justin's Place
When people imagine a therapeutic farm, horses are usually the first animals that come to mind. While our horses are incredible partners, there's another member of our team who often steals hearts in a completely different way—the pig.
At Justin's Place, our pigs are more than entertaining visitors. They are teachers, comforters, conversation starters, and sometimes even therapists in their own right.
Breaking Down Barriers
Many children arrive at the farm feeling nervous or unsure of what to expect. A horse can seem large and intimidating at first, but a pig? They're curious, funny, and wonderfully relatable.
Watching a pig snuffle around looking for treats or flop over for a belly scratch instantly brings smiles and laughter. Those moments of joy help lower anxiety and create an environment where children feel safe enough to explore, connect, and learn.
Teaching Empathy
Pigs are incredibly intelligent and sensitive animals. They thrive when they are treated with kindness, patience, and respect.
As participants help care for our pigs—whether filling water buckets, preparing meals, or gently interacting with them—they begin to understand that every living creature has needs, preferences, and feelings. These simple moments become powerful lessons in empathy and responsibility.
Creating Opportunities for Success
Not every child is ready to ride a horse on their first visit, and that's okay.
For some, building a relationship with a pig is the perfect first step. Brushing, feeding, or simply sitting quietly with one of our pigs allows children to experience success without pressure. Those positive experiences build confidence that often carries over into other activities, both on and off the farm.
Encouraging Curiosity
Pigs have a way of capturing attention. Their intelligence, unique personalities, and playful behavior naturally spark questions.
Why do they use their noses so much? How smart are they? What do they eat? Why do they enjoy mud?
Those questions create opportunities for learning, observation, problem-solving, and meaningful conversations between children, families, and staff.
A Reminder That Everyone Belongs
Perhaps one of the greatest lessons our pigs teach is that value isn't determined by appearance or expectations.
Pigs are often misunderstood. They're sometimes labeled as dirty or stubborn, when in reality they are clean, intelligent, social animals with remarkable personalities.
That message resonates deeply with many of the children and families we serve. Just as our pigs deserve to be seen for who they truly are, every child deserves to be known beyond a diagnosis, behavior, or difficult circumstance.
Every Animal Has a Purpose
At Justin's Place, we intentionally include a variety of animals because each one offers something unique. Our horses build confidence and partnership. Our guinea pigs encourage gentleness and nurturing. Our miniature horses create opportunities for connection.
And our pigs?
They remind us to laugh, to stay curious, to see beyond first impressions, and to appreciate that healing and growth can come in unexpected forms…. ours happen to be named “Beans” & “Charlotte”
The next time you visit the farm, be sure to stop by and say hello. You might leave with a new appreciation for these remarkable animals—and maybe even a little mud on your shoes.