SPCA’S Melvin the pig passes
Longest resident of the Rand West SPCA, Melvin the pig, has died.
It was a sad day on Saturday, 16 March at the Rand West SPCA Westonaria branch when its long-time resident, Melvin the pig, had to be euthanised due to poor health.
Nadia du Plessis, manager of the Rand West SPCA, said that in his last days, Melvin started showing signs of ailments such as arthritis, and that led to the procedure.
“Also, the uneven terrain was no longer conducive for a creature with his poor health,” Nadia said.
Nadia said although Melvin’s age was not known as he was adopted as an adult, he had been at the SPCA since 2004.
She said being the popular pig he was, there were challenges to caring for him. For example, the Randfontein SPCA branch had a full farmyard, so Melvin could not be transferred there, as doing so could have aggravated his stress levels and he may not have liked the sudden change of environment and routine.
“We would like to thank Brenda Smith and Lucy Phillips who made sure Melvin received the correct amount of nutrition to keep him healthy over all these years. We also want to thank other members of the SPCA for taking care of him and spoiling him daily. His muddy kisses, cuddles, tummy rubs and snoring naps at our feet will be missed every day,” Nadia added.
Junior Cuna, who joined the SPCA branch in 1997, said Melvin was a father to all the creature at the SPCA.
“Melvin and I were very close. He was very nice to be around and always calm. Every morning, he would be at the door looking out for me. He was such an amazing pig – even if he was asleep, if you called him, he would respond. Rest in peace, old boy,” Junior said.
