“Ho, ho, ho,” Santa Claus chortled, the twinkle in his eye lighting up the room, “Ava, what would you like for Christmas this year?” Ava was nine years old in 2019 and replied confidently, “Santa, this year for Christmas I only want two things. For my mom to be happy, and for a real live pig, under the Christmas tree.”
Santa was so proud of Ava for choosing her mother’s joy above all her other wishes, and as you can imagine, that kindness and selflessness was all the joy her mom could ever hope for. Simply because Ava was Ava, her mom was already happy. Santa knew though, that her second wish was trickier…
“Mrs. Claus- I have a bit of a conundrum. Ava would like a pig this year for Christmas, but pigs need yards with lots of space to root and explore- more yard than Ava has. Whatever shall I do?” wondered Santa. “Nicholas, you already know the perfect pig for Ava, you are a man of magic. Stop thinking so hard and listen to your heart, the answer will become clear.” Mrs. Claus replied, with a gentle smile on her face.
Santa quietly took a few deep breaths and realized it was simple, he could check his list- not once, but twice!
There are sweet pigs all over the world wishing for compassion, companionship, and joy- of COURSE he already knew the perfect pig for Ava!
A sweet little pig named Wendell who lives at Indraloka Animal Sanctuary was occasionally on the naughty list- but he tried so very hard to always be nice, and although he was already surrounded by love- he was lonely and longed for a friend to call his very own. Wendell needed Ava.
Wendell needed Ava
– of COURSE he already knew the perfect pig for Ava! A sweet little pig named Wendell who lives at Indraloka Animal Sanctuary was occasionally on the naughty list- but he tried so very hard to always be nice, and although he was already surrounded by love- he was lonely and longed for a friend to call his very own. Wendell needed Ava.
“Dear Ava, I know how badly you want a pig to love and cherish. I hope you understand, it’s not possible for a pig to live here with you, but instead this year for Christmas I have bestowed upon you a very serious and special responsibility.
I have sponsored a pig named Wendell in your name for an entire year.
That sponsorship means you will help care for Wendell every single day- contributing towards his veterinary care, meals, shelter, and everyday needs at Indraloka Animal Sanctuary, where he lives.
Most importantly, Wendell needs you to be his friend.
I have included a photo of Wendell and a pig you can hug every day until you meet him in person. I believe in you. Merry Christmas! Love, Santa.” scribed Santa on his beautiful North Pole letterhead.
“Mom! What does it mean to care for a pig and be his friend? He’s so far away!” exclaimed an excited and confused Ava.
“Ava, pigs need hoof care, straw to stay warm in the winter, health checks, medicine if they aren’t feeling well, lots of food, land to explore, caregivers to care for them, and so much more. He may be far away, but your sponsorship is helping him to live a safe and healthy life.” her mom explained.
“What about hugs and friendship though? What if he doesn’t know how much I care about him?” Ava worried.
“Ava, when you really truly love someone, they feel it in their heart. Just like when I look at you, I’m happy and I feel it. I don’t have to say how happy I am, it’s already there inside of me. When you send Wendell love and good thoughts, he’s going to feel it, too.” her mom shared.
“OH! I forgot the last part! Wendell only lives a few hours away, and we can go visit him when the time is right!”
“I love him already!” shouted Ava.
A few months later, Ava and her family traveled to meet Wendell in person.
Wendell, who was often reserved and particular about his friends, showered Ava with affection- covering her face with gentle kisses, rolling for belly rubs, and accepting treats.
He knew her love because it came straight from her heart to his.
If you’d like to sponsor an animal like Wendell, here’s how it works:
- Select the animal you’d like to sponsor. You can meet them here.
- Click the button at the bottom to join their Circle of Compassion. You can learn more about Circles of Compassion here.
- Be sure to make your gift monthly–you will receive an email with a link to download a certificate that you can print as a gift for your loved one. Let us know in the notes if you’d like to sponsor a specific animal.
***If you’re making a one-time gift and would like a certificate, please email us at robin@indraloka.org and we will email your certificate within 24 hours.***
