EDUCATION - THE KEY TO HELPING P

The need for education pertaining to pigs is the one thing that we all seem to agree upon. This is why PAPA maintains a website with lots of information available to the public. Additionally we have booklets and brochures we mail out when requested by individuals. Even more helpful are our symposiums, which we believe are more important than any of the other things we do to help with education. I'd like to share why we feel this way.

1) We hear frequently from pig owners and rescue people that they don't have a veterinarian, or if they do, he or she is not very knowledgeable on matters of pig health or treatment. We hear statements like "He's good at neuters, but has never spayed a female." Or, we hear, "He's good at spaying, neutering and even hoof-trimming, but doesn't know anything else about them. When they get sick, he doesn't know what to do or how to treat."

2) Another common statement is, "I just can't afford for a vet to come out to the house and trim hooves. Surely there is a way to do it myself."

3) We also hear, "I tried to give medicine, but cannot get the pig to take it."

4) Another similar problem arises when we hear, "I tried to rescue a pig from the freeway, but didn't know how to catch it. It was so afraid and kept running."

5) A common question often asked is "I have pigs and they are fighting and hurting each other. What should I do?"

6) Very importantly, we are asked "How can I know if I'm feeding my pig(s) the right things, and what does he need as far as diet is concerned?"

All of these things and more are part of the education we provide through experts in their fields who teach at our symposiums. Veterinarians come away with new knowledge on the ways and means of treatment. Not only do the veterinarians learn from the instructors, but they learn from sanctuary owners and pet owners who live with their pigs on a daily basis.

I'll never forget after our first symposium when a vet from Florida came forward to thank us for hosting the training and inviting him. He told us he came because he needed Continuing Education Units, and it was an inexpensive way to obtain them. All vets need CEUs. He added that he had learned so much more, and that the most important thing he was taking away with him was the need to listen more to the owner who lived with the pig. It is the owner who knows the pig's behavior, which many times helps lead to the right diagnosis. I knew then we were on the right track.

We must continue holding these symposiums and getting the word out. We cannot do it without your help. People will give for a specific thing, such as medical bills for an abused pig. Stories touch their hearts and they open their pocketbooks and pigs are saved. They will give for rescues to help with spaying and neutering. What folks don't seem to understand is that these symposiums are the life blood of doing rescue and saving pigs. It is here the vets who don't have a large working knowledge of the pig can obtain the knowledge needed and more pigs can be saved. It is here that pet owners can find answers to questions that some of us take for granted. Of course sanctuaries learn by sharing ideas so they can grow, raise funds, get volunteers and so forth. On top of these, at least three or four pigs are helped at each symposium during wet labs, as vets learn proper procedure on spays and neuters and so much more. We have had tumors up to 40 pounds removed at these symposiums, and those pigs are alive today because of this.

I'm asking for help to make it happen. I'm asking you to help us raise funds that will enable not only veterinarians to learn, but also vet students to attend. Most of these students can't afford to pay a lot because of the high cost of the education they are receiving. Many vets cannot pay full price and miss a day's work. Our professional experts and veterinarians who teach do so for just the cost of sponsorship. All of them could be doing it elsewhere and be reimbursed for all expenses incurred, plus receive payment in addition. They have chosen to help for minimal cost, but that cost adds up when you have five or six vets coming to teach.

Please consider sponsoring a veterinarian instructor, your own vet, a vet student, or even a sanctuary owner who gives so much they cannot afford the cost to attend themselves. Please give something....it doesn't have to be a lot. Set aside a small amount per pay period, and send it to help us keep the symposium going. Any amount is greatly appreciated. Think of the pigs in the future who will benefit by your giving. The pig you save may be your own.

To donate send check or money order to:
Pigs As Pets Association, Inc.
14338 Cristobal St
Fort Myers, FL 33905