Week 20: Pig Cuddling

As the cow cuddling from week 3 was so much fun, I Googled around to see if there were any other animals that could be cuddled. I soon found an organic pig farm in the Netherlands that offered pig cuddling sessions, about one hour from where I live.

It was a sunny Saturday when I arrived on the farm. We were a group of approximately 15, all women except for one. We received an overall and boots to wear, and then we could enter the stables.

We first went to see the smallest pigs, who were only one day old. We received instructions on how to hold the pig so that they would be cosy and comfortable, and then each of us got to hold one. It took me a few attempts before my pig was comfortable. I though he was afraid of me as he started shivering, but the farmer told us that this meant he liked it. The little pig then fell asleep in my arms.

After we handed the pigs back over to the farmer, so that he could reunite them with their mother, we went over to the pigs who were 6-7 weeks old. They were quite curious! It didn’t take them long to come over to find out who had entered their stable.

We then went over to see the pregnant sows, where we could also enter the stables. The farmer explained how to cuddle them: when they were laying on their sides, we got to stand on the sow’s backside, and we could then rub them on their neck/shoulder parts. The sows stretched themselves to show their enjoyment.

After the visit, we were offered coffee with cake, which I gladly accepted.

As with the cow cuddling, it was very easy to stay in the moment when in direct contact with the pigs. The past and future faded away, leaving you only with the present moment. I think when that happens on a date, the date is success!