WEST SENECA, N.Y. — The SPCA Serving Erie County's newest farm rescue is a 2-month-old piglet named Willow.
However, the lovable piglet wasn't always so vibrant and active. Just three weeks ago, Willow was found by the New York State Thruway Authority, running around an area just off the 190 on Grand Island.
Clues such as the tattoo on her ear and the location where she was found, lead the SPCA to believe she was on her way to a livestock auction.
"It seems like willow had other ideas and she decided it was worth the risk, what we suspect is that she jumped off of the truck and was running at large," said Gina Lattuca, the chief communications officer at the SPCA Serving Erie County.
When Willow first arrived to the SPCA, rehabilitators weren't sure if she'd be able to make it.
"It was pretty dire. It was to the point where the following morning, we weren't sure if she was going to make it through the day" said Heather Francis, educational farm manager at the SPCA Serving Erie County.
The piglet had injuries to her back, her tail, and what was most concerning, her broken leg, which couldn't be held with a cast or splint.
"That is almost impossible to splint given their chunky legs. It was almost like on her ankle and nothing would've stayed to help it so it was really up to her to survive and every step of the way, she has chosen survival," said Francis, who has been with Willow at every step.
Not only is Willow a survivor, she's a rarity. Gina Lattuca with the SPCA says this is the first runaway pig case she's seen in about three decades.
"I have to say at least in the last 34 years this is the first runaway pig story that I've ever encountered," said Lattucca.
And after a long journey... Willow's chances are finally looking up.
After she makes a recovery in about two weeks, Willow will be placed in her forever home, a farm in the Irving, New York area.