Lil' Orphan Hammies

I learned about lil orphan hammies via Janet Shinn who had her beloved spike . He was my first experience with a pot bellied pig and I was amazed. Visiting lil orphan hammies I learned more about the pigs and heard their stories. Sue is an amazing person who loves all her pigs and does an awesome job educating people and rescuing pigs. She really goes above and beyond to save pigs in bad places or simply finding displaced pigs into new homes.

If not for Sue and her lil orphan hammies crew in the area so many pigs would be in big trouble. I'm grateful to know that lil orphan hammies is on the job when a pigs needs rescuing because they are in good hands and will receive the best care available!

Nothing is better than watching Sue with the pigs. She loves what she does which shows in everything she does.

My cousin has truly dedicated 30 years of her life for these piggies. I remember in the beginning 7 or so years she solely managed the personal care and financial responsibility of her rescue on a waitress salary. Many would have given up! Caring for these poor unfortunately neglected, abused and starved potbelly’s is her legacy and has always come first. She has never used a dime of donations to pay herself a well deserved salary which many or most non profit organizations do....true dedication from a most wonderful huge heart! She advocates in teaching and sharing her knowledge to educate people of the facade of the tea cup pig lie which is a direct result of the necessities of rescuing. Recently a few young volunteers have come to LOH ..which is much needed for the next generation to know and understand the truth. LOH is a beautiful forever home on 5 acres where pigs are free to roam, soak up the sun, play in mud puddles, graze the grass on the hill top and shaded by the big oak trees on the property and shelters all over to sleep where they choose...A True Haven! Sue’s knowledge comes from watching and understanding the natural behavior of these guys..down to who or where they choose to eat and sleep including a favorite bowl and they actually buddy up with another and don’t like to be separated. I have learned so much from her. I thank all who support LOH and personally I am so very proud to know and love and appreciate my cousin and her big ❤️

I found this rescue in 1993 while reading the local newspaper. The article opened my eyes to all the misinformation/lies that are still being spread today. I bought my 1st pig from a Breeder a short time before reading the article. I knew that I wanted to learn as much as possible to properly care for my new pig. I began volunteering at the rescue and The knowledge Sue shared was priceless. By the following year I had adopted my 1st rescue pig and from then on, I knew I would always have pigs in my life. The majority of the rescue pigs have come from extreme conditions, many older and some that have never been socialized. These "misfits" the less than perfect pigs have found love, safety and 24/7 care by Sue and her volunteers. It's because of Sue Parkinson and that one newspaper article that I'm still volunteering at Lil Orphan Hammies 28 years later. I'm blessed to have found such a passionate teacher. I can't begin to share all of the things/projects LOH has accomplished in the 30 years of rescue, there isn't enough time. You can't exist for that long if you weren't making a positive impact and saving lives.

I have a very small pot-bellied pig rescue, and have known Sue for over 20 years. I visit Lil' Orphan Hammies a couple of times a year, and it is always an awesome experience! The pigs are well cared for and happy, and live the perfect pig life - dirt and mud to root in, safe and warm shelters to sleep in, regular feeding and fresh water every day. Some of these guys have had horrific lives before arriving at Sue's, and they are allowed to just be who they are. Sue has some elderly pigs (and sooner or later, all of us will be elderly), who get daily medication for their arthritis, which all older pigs eventually get, and they are still happy and active enough to enjoy their lives, and the open areas available to them. Sue knows every pig in her care, and ensures daily that they are happy, healthy, and safe. What more could a pig ask for?

I've been a Volunteer and Donor for Lil Orphan Hammies for over 15 years. It's rare to find an organization where every dollar given goes straight to the pigs needs. When rebuilding houses or yearly fence updates, supplies are re-purposed whenever possible. Recycling is important to teach our youth and LOH includes earth friendly tips when providing educational programs in schools. Kids are the next generation to teach respect and to improve the treatment of all animals. Expanding the school programs that Lil Orphan Hammies had before covid would be a great start. I am impressed by their values and I will continue supporting this Non-profit!!!

Sue at LOH, has dedicated her life to these piggies. She understands their needs and devotes all the time and money needed to care for them properly. I visit her place a few times a year and am always impressed with how comfortable and happy the pigs are. Having taken pigs from shelters to LOH, fostered pigs for LOH, and assisted with home checks for adoption placements, I can sincerely attest to the fact that she cares not only for the pigs she has there at LOH, but also the well being of them during transports to LOH, and where the pigs go when they are adopted. Did I mention she finds time to mentor and assist other pig owners with education too? She does!!

Sue Parkinson KNOWS pigs. She has 30 plus years observing them and she provides as the pigs choose. Not one pig is in a tiny pen and has free roam within their territory. Her pigs are well cared for and are grouped according to their needs. Sue repurposes and uses donations 100% on her 90 plus residents. They always have clean fresh water and shelters, they are vetted and fed accordingly.
Sue has taught me a lot in my 13 yrs in the pig world. She always tells me she learned from her pigs! Pigs are her life. Lil Orphan Hammies has rescued over 55 pigs from a hoarding case in one day with a few pregnant mamas who gave birth in a nice straw filled pen provided for the babies. She had all the males neutered. I have complete faith in this sanctuary. The pig world thanks you SUE, for your heart and soul you put into them every single day of your life!

I have known Sue Parkinson and LOH since I first went on line in 1996, a f3w weeks after I got my first pot-bellied pig. We have been friends since then and I've visited her many times since. (I live in Canada)
You will never find a more honest and dedicated caregiver than Suey. Her pigs come first, always have and always will. No matter the ups and downs, she is there for them. She is one of my closest friends, and my admiration for her knows no bounds. She has adopted other throw-away animals...dogs, cats, chickens, a rooster. She even fed and cared for a very cantankerous and pushy goose. She treats them all with equal care, tolerance and love. I can't say enough about this amazing, caring woman and the piggy paradise she has created and bettered with every passing year.i wish her every blessing.

I can’t express how much we love Sue for all that she does at Lil’ Orphan Hammies but I’ll try. She cares for not only for my pig that I could no longer care for but so many others, she has gone above an beyond measure for these pigs and we can’t thank her enough. She is knowledgeable and speaks out for them and loves them as all her own. I’ll forever be a lifetime donor, she truly puts all her donations and her heart and soul into this pigs and we are blessed to have her in our lives to love our pig as her baby as well. Thank you Sue for all that you do!

Sue is a wonderful and knowledgeable advocate for pigs. She has dedicated her life at Lil Orphan Hammies to making sure rescued, abused and neglected pigs can be treated with dignity, love and respect and live out their lives. I have never seen someone work so hard and passionately. People learn that there are no such things as micro or mini pigs and that pigs too have personalities and needs and people need to become responsible so the faithful rescuers like Sue do not continue to get overloaded with pigs. Her property is well suited for her pigs where they all are able to have a happy and healthy life.

My story is that Sue the most experienced and informed person regarding pigs saved my pig. I couldn’t take care of her and she was part of the mini pug scam. I visit her and Sue throughout the years at the sanctuary. I have gotten to know all the pigs. Sue is the best. She is devoted to her pigs and is kind, caring and a pig whisperer.

I also do pot-bellied pig rescue, I've known Sue over 20 years, and I've spent a lot of time at Hammies. Sue cares for her rescues as her family. They are well fed and cared for - they are happy and safe and friendly, which is a testament to her care, given the backgrounds some of them came to her from. Each resident is treated with care and respect, and according to their individual needs. Sue is also active in education about pot-bellied pigs and potential pig parents, as well as assistance for current pig parents. She has dedicated her life to these precious creatures.

I love to help Lil" Orhan Hammies. They take in potbelly piggies in need of care and do such a wonderful job. They need your support. They are located in Solvang near Santa Barbara, CA. I had several potbelly pigs as pets and admired the love and care lavished on the pigs taken in by this wonderful sanctuary!!

Such an awesome sanctuary! Rescued pigs of many sizes and colors live happily together here on several acres . They have little houses and various comfy places to snooze and relax, The premises is clean, well fenced and safe. Founder Susan is a great lady who clearly knows and loves pigs, and she knows by heart the name and the story of every one of her rescues. If I had a million bucks the first thing Id do would be to share it with Susan... but donations in any amount are appreciated- please give if you can.

Sue and Lil Orphan Hammies is a rescue pig's dream home. Sue and her wonderful volunteer friends tirelessly tends to the individual needs of each of her rescues. The pigs have individual areas and Sue ensure they all get along and get fed. She is an angel!

Lil' Orphan Hammies does what few rescue organizations do...take care of abandoned and neglected pot bellied pigs. Too often these piglets are sold to unsuspecting buyers who believe the pigs will always remain small. When they grow to over 200 lbs they are often neglected or abandoned. Lil' Orphan Hammies gives these pigs a chance at a life they wouldn't otherwise have. I'm happy to support Lil' Orphan Hammies and the terrific work they do.

I cannot get enough of Lil Orphan Hammies! Each pig is so unique and Sue knows each one's name just by a glance. From "little" Bentley to massive Valentine it is such a joy to spend time with these wonderful animals. Sue has shared so much knowledge with her visitors and the surrounding community. Her love and devotion for pigs is obvious from the first moment you meet Sue and you can't help but grow in love for them with each visit.

In my many years of rescuing potbellied pigs I am proud to have worked directly and indirectly with Sue, the Joan of Arc who owns and operates Lil'OrphanHammies. She has saved countless pigs over the years from cruelty, starvation and abuse. She has provided shelter, food, vet support and most important loving care for one of the most misunderstood creatures on our planet. Her tireless efforts have saved many pigs lives and she has provided a forever home for hundreds of pigs to just be pigs. Through her educational promoting and numerous spearheaded events she helps to inform and enlighten the world about the wonderful friends pigs can be as the fifth most intelligent animal in the world. ZPH

Sue took care of my pig when I couldn't. He was there for many years and Sue treated him like her own as she did all the others. I never worried knowing he was there. Even when he got sick she gave him medication, hand fed him and helped him any way she could. I could not have asked for a better situation for him. It's been 7 years since he died and Sue and I are still friends and I still go visit the sanctuary once or twice a year. She really gives her everything for those pigs.

Sue of Lil Orphan Hammies gives her blood, sweat and tears for pigs. She has so much patience and love for these wonderful creatures and gives so much of her time trying to educate the public. She takes in the elderly and sickly that would not otherwise have a chance at knowing love and kindness.
Her years of experience have given her the knowledge necessary to give these "unwanted" pigs a safe, nurturing environment to flourish in. She is always willing to answer any questions and help us newbies in loving our pigs. Her dedication to the cause is inspirational!

When I got my piglet in 1998 I found Lil Orphan Hammies on a yahoogroups list and we got to know Suey and what she does for pigs. She has saved countless lives of pigs. She also educates the public about the care and welfare of pigs. Suey is my hero for what she does. She has devoted her life to supporting and caring for her rescue pigs. She keeps them clean, fed and loved. They have a great habitat at Lil Orphan Hammies. I hope she gets the credit she deserves. I treasure her.

Not only does Sue rescue pigs, but she helps other rescuers as well. In 2007, when my health started failing, Sue flew to New Mexico to help get my pigs ready to go to other sanctuaries.

I have an adopted pig. His name is Mac and he is such a joy to my life! These animals are so smart I highly recommend giving them a lovable home!

Lil' Orphan Hammies is a great resource for humans who want or have pigs as pets. I like that they put out PSA on Facebook the truth about getting a pig of your own. Like, there are no mini, micro, pixie or any other name for a miniature pig. Had we saw this before getting Emily I'm pretty sure we would not have done so. She's also very much into rescuing and re-homing piggies.

I only recently discovered the pig rescue world. I have never lived with a pig and have gotten so much useful information from this organization. Not only do they rescue pigs in need but also provide a huge amount of great literature. It's so important that people have accurate information before deciding to bring a companion of any kind into their home and LOH strives to educate people on what to expect when living with a pig. Thank you LOH for all the awesome info and of course for helping out all the piggies that are in need!

I first discovered this organization about 16 years ago. I was beside myself with stress and unhappiness at the time; preparing for a move to the Bay Area and dealing with the earth-shattering realization that no Bay Area landlords would permit me to keep my companion Dexter, a rather large potbellied pig. After a chance meeting with LOH volunteers at a local event, Dexter's fate was no longer a quandry. He would have a wonderful new home and plenty of company. While I would miss him terribly, I would never have to worry over the quality of his life or whether or not he was being properly cared for. I went north to the Bay. Dexter went south to Solvang.

Over the years, I tried to look the organization up from time to time; to check on Dexter; to say "thank you" one more time. For some reason or another, I was never able to find them. Then, late in the Summer of 2010, I was feeling nostalgic and searched for them once more. This time, my query resulted in a website for the organization; and, I clicked "Send" for an email that would bring about much more than I expected.

LOH Founder, Sue Parkinson, responded within less than a day. I learned that Dexter had passed away just less than two years before. I was heartbroken, but happy to hear that he had lived so long and so well. Wanting to "give something back," I inquired as to any graphic design services that might be needed. Sue had a list. LOH needed a new website. They needed collateral. They needed edcuational materials. They wanted a new logo. They needed banners. They needed vehicle stickers. I could help! There was something I could do to start to repay Sue for the 10 years of wonderful care she had provided for my pig.

A few short months later, I was asked to join the board. Of course I said yes; and, I am glad that I did. I have found this small, but dedicated, board to be welcoming, active, and receptive to changes that will further best practice in our rescue operations and our sanctuary.

Since rediscovering LOH, I have seen Sue work wonders. I have watched as her skill and devotion restored health to Sammy, a pig who had been systematically starved for five years. I have seen the "before" pictures for Judge, a pig who had suffered terrible neglect and abuse and came to LOH injured, sickly, and untrusting. When I met Judge, I couldn't believe he was the same pig I had seen in those horrible pictures; he looks wonderful. I have watched and learned as Sue helped smaller rescues with veterinary support and and rescue assistance; as she has talked with people to educate them about the renewed plight of miniature pigs, and given unlimited time to concerned owners in advising them how best to care for their pets. And I have watched as she has cared for anywhere from 75 to 100 pigs on a daily basis; feeding and watering; providing medical attention; providing individual attention and enrichment; to all these pigs she knows by name.

I am truly proud to be on board!

Sue Parkinson has devoted her life to saving pigs that have been abandoned, abused, or for whatever reason, could no longer stay in their previous homes. Her sanctuary is a beautiful place where pigs can roam free in the sunshine, graze on grass, relax in the shade, and enjoy love and affection. Pigs at Lil Orphan Hammies receive any medical care that they need, from hoof trims to necessary life-saving surgery. Sue is the most knowledgeable person I know on the subject of pot belly pigs, and works very hard to educate the public and pet seekers on the true facts of what to expect when adopting a pig. I have visited Lil Orphan Hammies many times, and the pigs here are very lucky to call this beautiful place home.

This is a great charity that helps piggies - they also help people that have questions on the proper way to care for piggies. They also try and find homes for Pigs that come to their attention via news sources. This is a charity that I am willing to donate too. I believe this organization has life changing impacts on pigs and people that adopt them. With the knowledge they share they can help people not only keep their pigs, but keep them healthy - therefore they live a longer and healthier life.