Every rescued pig who arrives at Sisu Refuge is promised a second chance — acres of space to roam, friends to meet, and caretakers who will love them for life.
But for one nervous newcomer named Elmer, that promise grew into something even more beautiful.
He found love.
When Elmer first arrived at the refuge, he was shy and anxious, unsure how to fit into his new home.
During his medical quarantine, he met a long-time resident named Hermoine — a sharp, confident pig with a reputation for being “beautiful, tough, and wickedly smart.”
Hermoine didn’t often bond easily with others, but something about Elmer was different.
“Elmer was smitten!” Sisu Refuge wrote on Facebook. “For months, Elmer courted Hermoine. He’d share his snacks, and he’d even fluff her side of the barn with fresh straw.”
You can see more pictures of the couple here:
At first, Hermoine wasn’t so sure about her eager admirer. But Elmer’s quiet persistence — and his endless kindness — slowly won her over. Before long, they were inseparable.
“Elmer is obsessed with everything Hermoine does,” Sisu Refuge wrote. “He thinks she’s the most beautiful pig in the world. He shares his food with her and lets her pick the best spot next to the air conditioner in the barn. Hermoine doesn’t mind that Elmer is half her age, and she ignores the weird way he drinks water. They’re the cutest couple in the world.”
You can watch Elmer and Hermoine’s love story unfold here:
The pair’s love story soon became legendary around the farm. They even moved into a cozy custom-built cottage, where they raised a rotating group of foster piglets together. Elmer adored playing the role of doting dad, while Hermoine — though a bit more reserved — tolerated his enthusiasm and did her best to help.
“She puts up with all the foster kids he brings home and tries to be patient for his sake,” Sisu Refuge wrote.
You can see their cottage here:
Over time, their bond transformed them both. Elmer grew more confident and social, while Hermoine softened, becoming gentler and more affectionate. They truly completed each other.
“They really complement each other,” the refuge shared.
But in August 2024, heartbreak struck. Hermoine developed a sudden infection in her foot. Caregivers rushed her to the hospital, praying she’d recover — but tests revealed the infection was too advanced to treat.
Hermoine passed away peacefully at the clinic, leaving behind devastated caretakers — and one brokenhearted soulmate.
When the team returned to the refuge without her, they found Elmer lying by the gate, the last place he’d seen her.
“We don’t know if he realizes she isn’t coming home yet,” Sisu Refuge wrote. “It breaks my heart to think of him sitting and waiting forever for his girl to come home.”
The refuge’s caregivers surrounded Elmer with love, comfort, and endless apples. In time, the pig who once couldn’t bear to be around others began to reconnect. Slowly, he made new friends. His confidence returned. His spark came back.
And though Hermoine is gone, her love continues to live within him — guiding him, comforting him, and reminding everyone at Sisu Refuge what compassion can do.
“Elmer is smiling again,” the refuge shared. “He’ll always carry Hermoine in his heart.”
To help pigs like Elmer find safety, healing, and love, you can donate to Sisu Refuge here.
