Sisu Refuge, Albertson, NC (2025)

08/26/2025

Sweet Hudson is back in quarantine for some hoof issues. 🥹 Please send this kid well wishes! ❤️

08/26/2025

Boop incoming! 🐽
Nelson hopes you are having an amazing day. ❤️

08/24/2025

𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐛𝐨𝐲, 𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐬. 💔

Today we said goodbye to the Clint Eastwood of Sisu. Atticus wasn’t always the nicest pig, but he was still such a good boy... and he will be deeply missed here.

Several months ago, we moved Atticus into Med-Bay to begin his transition into retirement due to his declining mobility and after becoming the target of some unexpected bullying. While in Med-Bay, Atticus didn’t show much improvement in his back legs, but we tried two rounds of antibiotics and lots of TLC. Despite his incredible appetite, Atticus began to lose weight, and we saw more weakness in his back end.... 🥺 Our team had several discussions about euthanasia, but after all he had been through, we wanted him to have the chance at a peaceful retirement first.

When the time came to move him out, we were blown away by the transition. Not a single fight… no chasing, no bullying, no biting. Zero issues. The others welcomed him to the “old man club,” and things were quiet and calm. We were genuinely shocked - but so happy for him. Peace, finally.

Although I was struggling with my own health, Joseph sent me photos and videos of Atticus every day - eating alongside everyone, wallowing in the mud, grazing in the grass, and even forming new friendships, especially with Nelson. 🥹

He had the most quiet, stress-free month ever.... which was such a beautiful gift.

Today everything changed. Atticus collapsed by the pond after feeding, trembling in pain and unable to stand. We administered pain meds... and they did nothing. We tried again and again to help him stand, cooling him off with water, but his body was exhausted. He was in excruciating pain and just done... Deep down, we knew it was coming, but we just didn't realize it would be quite so soon. Especially after he had had such an amazing week.

When our vet arrived, the pigs all came to see Atticus and it was like they were saying goodbye. When he calmed down and then began drifting off with sedation, we finally had the chance to pet him. Atticus never liked being touched really, but at the end, he actually leaned into Joseph. It was like a thank you after all they had been through. Atticus never made things easy for Joseph but there was a beautiful moment of understanding. I stroked his face and told him, “Even if you weren’t always the nicest boy, you were SUCH a good boy, Atticus. You did so good, honey. We are proud of you. You were tough, and you fought for a long time. You were such a good boy." And then he was gone...

That’s the thing about true sanctuary: it’s not just for the gentle or easy ones. It’s for the fighters, the troublemakers, the outcasts, and the overlooked. The animals here don’t owe us anything - and we love them just as they are.

We loved you, Atticus. Always. ❤️

We are so grateful to Barbara Lutsky for sponsoring Atticus. You saw that even the tough kids deserve someone to love them. Thank you for making his retirement possible.🥹

If you’d like to honor Atticus and help us cover his final visit... we would be so grateful. Donations of any size make it possible for us to keep loving them all - even the ones who don’t make it easy. 🖤

+ Zelle: [email protected]
+ Patreon: Patreon.com/sisurefuge
+ PayPal: Paypal.me/nc42save
+ Venmo:
+ CashApp: $sisurefuge

08/23/2025

Happy Snouterday! 🐽❤️

We missed yesterday, but we are doing a produce run tonight to restock the veggie fridge. I just handed out the last bag of baby carrots to these adorable faces. 🥕 Will you help us cover this week's salad bill and send just $2 or $3? We have about six pigs here on special diets and a few who will be heading to fat camp soon!

🍉 Zelle – [email protected] (0% fee!)
🥦 Patreon.com/sisurefuge
🥕 Paypal.me/nc42save
🍓Text SISU to 801801
🫐 CashApp: $sisurefuge
🥬 Venmo: (🚨 Please only use Venmo if we're friends - there are scam accounts out there!)

𝑆𝑖𝑠𝑢 𝑅𝑒𝑓𝑢𝑔𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑎 𝑟𝑒𝑔𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑑 501(𝑐)3 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑦. 𝐴𝑙𝑙 𝑑𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑡𝑎𝑥-𝑑𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑑𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑙𝑦 𝑠𝑢𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡 𝑚𝑎𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑙𝑑 𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑛𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑠.
⭐️ 𝐸𝐼𝑁 - 84-253643

08/22/2025

Happy Friday from Pancakes! He is in such a good mood and having a beautiful day. I haven't even seen him bite anyone in the last four hours. 😆❤️🙏

08/22/2025

Goodnight and sweet dreams! ❤️

I just came out to do bed checks and turn off Puddin’s TV, and I had to stop for a moment to share this sweet sight with you all. 🥹 Six (the cat on the shelf 😆) is almost entirely blind and she is often searching for a special bedtime spot that's all her own. She loves Puddin' and likes listening to music, so I thought she would like a safe little spot to hang out with everyone! She's been out here all night, feeling very regal in her teepee!

This season has been a whirlwind for the humans at Sisu... between the animals, a toddler, a teenager, and trying to juggle self-care so we don’t burn out too quickly - it's been a lot. Add in a few health challenges of my own this year, and it’s safe to say we’re learning every day what it means to navigate life as a family while keeping the sanctuary running strong and sustainable.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your patience, kindness, and continued support as we figure it all out... 🥹 Your love keeps the animals (and the humans) moving forward.

If you’d like to help us keep the wheels on the train here, please consider making a small donation tonight. Small moments like this are truly what matter and every little bit makes a difference for these sweet lives. This is what every animal deserves. Maybe not a TV and a teepee, but a safe place to call home. Thanks for helping us make this possible.

❤️🙏🐽 - Erika

🎂 Zelle – [email protected] (0% fee!)
🎉 Patreon.com/sisurefuge
🎈 Paypal.me/nc42save
🎁 Text SISU to 801801
🐷 CashApp: $sisurefuge
🍨 Venmo: (🚨 Please only use Venmo if we're friends—there are scam accounts out there!)

𝑆𝑖𝑠𝑢 𝑅𝑒𝑓𝑢𝑔𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑎 𝑟𝑒𝑔𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑑 501(𝑐)3 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑦. 𝐴𝑙𝑙 𝑑𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑡𝑎𝑥-𝑑𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑑𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑙𝑦 𝑠𝑢𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡 𝑚𝑎𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑙𝑑 𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑛𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑠. 𝐸𝐼𝑁 - 84-253643

My computer, hard-drive, camera, and heatpress have all broke in the last month... I will try to get back to messages and emails after I have finalized doctor appointments. Thank you!

08/21/2025

These two, Nelson and ZaZa, bicker and fuss with each other ALLLLLL day long - and then this is how they curl up together for bedtime. 😆🥹❤️

We finally got power run to Puddin's Pavilion, so tomorrow we will hook up her TV and let the kiddos have a proper movie night with popcorn!🍿

Thank you to everyone who donated towards the final push of finishing this little project. We will post more about it soon. ❤️🙏

08/20/2025

There are a handful of people in this world whose devotion to animals leaves you in awe every single day… and for us, two of those people are Alesja and Alex of The Blind Spot Animal Sanctuary.

They are, without a doubt, some of the kindest, most ethical, supportive, and hardworking individuals we have ever had the honor of working alongside. Blind Spot is not just a sanctuary – it is one of the most active and impactful rescue organizations in North Carolina... and truly, in the entire United States. ❤️ Their work has saved countless lives, and their integrity sets the bar for what animal rescue should be. We have learned so much from Alex and Alesja, and they are literally one of our favorite sanctuaries to work with because they are so amazing, honest, and they help EVERYONE.

But right now, they are facing something devastating. Blind Spot’s page was hacked, and the community of over 70,000 followers they built was completely erased. Years of hard work, outreach, and vital fundraising ability literally disappeared overnight. For a nonprofit sanctuary that relies on social media to share stories, raise funds, and provide care for over 150 animals, this isn’t just a setback… it’s a threat to their very existence. 💔

Now they need our help...

👉 Please follow and support Blind Spot Animal Sanctuary as they rebuild their following. I promise you’ll fall in love with their heartwarming (and often hilarious) updates – especially the antics of an emu who is head-over-heels in love with Alex.

👉 If you’re able, please contribute to their GoFundMe to help keep their animals safe and cared for during this uncertain time:
https://gofund.me/c591da44

We work with Blind Spot weekly to save lives, and there is truly no other organization in North Carolina as responsive, active, or selfless in their rescue efforts.... Supporting them isn’t optional – it’s essential for so many animals in need. Every donation, every share, every kind word matters. 🙏❤️

Thank you for standing with Blind Spot Animal Sanctuary. Together, we can help ensure their future stays bright for the animals who depend on them.

08/17/2025

Daily dose of Nelson! He was "helping" me stain Puddin's Pavilion tonight by rubbing on every post! 😆 He added some custom brush strokes to the stain for a beautiful smudged finish!

My little pink shadow.. 🥹❤️🐽

We never officially fundraised for Puddin’s Pavilion, but we are fundraising tonight for electricity (and one more 5 gallon bucket of stain) to wrap it up! If you can, please consider donating just a few dollars today to help us get there. Every little bit truly makes a difference.

💌 Ways to give:
▪︎ Zelle: [email protected] (0% fee!)
▪︎ PayPal: paypal.me/nc42save
▪︎ Patreon: patreon.com/sisurefuge

Thank you! 🙏❤️

𝑆𝑖𝑠𝑢 𝑅𝑒𝑓𝑢𝑔𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑎 𝑟𝑒𝑔𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑑 501(𝑐)3 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑦. 𝐴𝑙𝑙 𝑑𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑡𝑎𝑥-𝑑𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑑𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑙𝑦 𝑠𝑢𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡 𝑚𝑎𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑙𝑑 𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑛𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑠.
𝐸𝐼𝑁 - 84-253643

08/17/2025

Goodnight from the sweetest girl in the world - Puddin’! This adorable fuzzball got some wheelchair time earlier today, and now we’re wrapping up the evening with a little sponge bath before bed. ❤️ (Complete with the cutest bubble mohawk you’ve ever seen. 🫧)

I’ve been a bit under the weather, so we missed yesterday 🥺 - but we could really use a little help to finish fundraising for an electrician next week to complete Puddin’s Pavilion. We just need to get her fan and TV wired up so she can watch her favorite show, Veggie Tales, in comfort with her friends. 🥹

Right now, Tunie, ZaZa, and Nelson all sleep snuggled up with Puddin in the new area... I can already picture them cuddled together, watching cartoons before bed. ❤️ The Pavilion already has a wheelchair ramp, a custom pool, safety storm windows for hurricane season, and a canopy. We just need electricity!

We never officially fundraised for this project, but this last step is all that’s standing in the way of making Puddin’s space complete. If you can, please consider donating just a few dollars today to help us get there. Every little bit truly makes a difference.

💌 Ways to give:
▪︎ Zelle: [email protected] (0% fee!)
▪︎ PayPal: paypal.me/nc42save
▪︎ Patreon: patreon.com/sisurefuge

Thank you for helping us give Puddin’ and her friends the cozy nights they deserve. 🐽

08/15/2025

Goodnight from Nelson and Zachariah 🥹❤️

08/11/2025

We’ve been full-throttle at the sanctuary this past week, making the most of this rare stretch of cooler weather! ☺️ It’s been all hands on deck, so here’s a quick peek at what’s been going on:

Our main project right now is finishing the pond retention wall before hurricane season 🌀 ramps up - but in true Sisu fashion, we’ve also been:
🐓 Welcoming & integrating two new rooster gentlemen: Zachariah and Joshua
🐱 Fostering the sweetest litter of kittens
🐾 Releasing some rehabbed opossums
🌿 Helping other wildlife and managing an unusual wave of rescue networking… all while keeping up with daily care here and juggling a few personal and family health challenges behind the scenes. 🥹

And because it’s never quiet here…
💉 Two emergency vet visits last week for our goat ladies, Martha & Nana
📅 Six more small-animal vet appointments coming up soon (next two weeks)

And to make matters even more hectic, yesterday, our well-pump blew and flooded everywhere (thanks, heat wave 🥵), but thankfully, a repair crew is here right now, working on it. We also had a concrete company and an electrician scheduled last week who both no-call/no-showed… 🤷🏼‍♀️ so the hunt is back on for reliable help to finish some big jobs around here.

It’s always a lot here... and I swear I always convince myself that the next season will be a little slower - but it never is. ❤️ We’re endlessly grateful for the support that keeps us moving forward, no matter how wild things.

We could really use extra hands right now. Our only other caretaker was in the hospital this weekend and will need some time off, and I have several serious doctor appointments over the next two weeks. If you’ve ever wanted to help, this is a fantastic time to jump in.

🐷💪 Every hour of help and every dollar truly makes a difference.

To volunteer: Email [email protected]

To Donate:
+ Zelle: [email protected]
+ Patreon: Patreon.com/sisurefuge
+ PayPal: Paypal.me/nc42save

The “boring” stuff - like well-pump repairs, concrete, equipment maintenance, cat litter, and electrical work - might not be glamorous, but they’re the puzzle pieces that keep a rescue running. Thank you for helping us keep those pieces in place. 🐽❤️

Sisu Refuge

08/26/2025

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08/21/2025

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08/11/2025

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