CLARENCE CENTER, N.Y. — A piglet named Buffalo Bernie has overcome odds and now has a new home in Clarence Center.
Richelle Zawacki is a registered nurse and said it's in her blood to help.
She explained how a woman called her and said "her sow had piglets overnight and one of them was missing half of its face. It wouldn't survive unless someone came and picked it up."
Zawacki knew she needed to do something. So, the family got in the car and brought Bernie home.
“My first instinct was that he wasn’t going to make it,” said Zawacki. “His face was badly injured, and he was so cold. But we kept him warm, cleaned his wounds, and just kept praying he’d make it through.”
Ever since then, the Zawacki's have been caring for Bernie.
"We've been using a good mix of Manuka Honey, Silvadene around the tissue. We've been bandaging it and cleaning it three times a day. We sterilize his crate six, seven, eight times a day. We pull out blankets, potty pads and make sure there's nothing in the area that could get his wound infected." She said, "It's healing way quicker than I've ever seen any wound like that ever heal. He's doing incredible. He's a good patient."
Bernie has already captured the hearts of his new family and even strangers in the region.
Zawacki put out a post on Facebook asking for some items to help Bernie in his recovery including blankets and toys.
“We were blown away by the donations we received,” said Zawacki. "It makes me want to cry. It's so sweet. It's so awesome. He's been a really inspirational little guy, especially around this time of year. People want to give and help. Buffalo's known for that."
Bernie could reach around 800 pounds once he is fully grown. Once he is all healed, he will live outside on the family's farm.
There are a few ways you can help out.
Bernie has a Gofundme which is linked here. The family also has a wish list on Amazon linked here.
Richelle has also started an account with Venmo, @richellezawacki, where people have been contributing to his future vet bills.
