Not every animal gets a fair shot at a happy life—but thanks to one incredible sanctuary, two very special pigs are getting the love they never knew existed.
Kanda Farm Sanctuary, a nonprofit in Illinois, is doing remarkable work for neglected farm animals, and their latest rescue story is nothing short of emotional. In a now-viral TikTok video shared by @kandafarmsanctuary, we meet Amber—a pig so broken by past abuse that she couldn’t even walk into her stall.
Amber’s story will crush your heart and then slowly piece it back together.
Rescued alongside another pig named Michelle, Amber was saved from being slaughtered by sanctuary staff who pretended to be buyers at a butcher. When she first arrived, Amber was in such bad shape she could barely stand. “She was so broken and in pain,” Kanda shared. “She couldn’t even walk into her stall. But once we got her in, I was able to finally meet her.”
🚨 Match for Amber & Michelle 🚨 On Saturday we watched that horrible excuse for a human shove Amber down the ramp of his transport trailer and into his loader to dump into our trailer as we had to act like we wanted to butcher her 😭💔 We slammed the trailer door shut & peeled out of there with tears in our eyes to get Amber & Michelle to Purdue as quickly (& safely) as possible. Amber was so broken and painful she couldnt even walk into her stall. But once we got her in, I was able to finally meet her. She growled at me at first. Terrified because she only knew harm and pain to come from humans. I both respected her space and showed her kindness and she quickly realized I wasn’t going to hurt her. I told her I love her in both English and pig. It didnt take long for Amber to say it back. She was absolutely ecstatic. And so was I 🥹 Amber was immediately rushed into a CT, where they found fractures in her scapula (shoulder) along with bilateral pelvic fractures. These findings also uncovered more of her story, which we will share soon. But the recommendation was euthanasia. We take quality of life very seriously but also desperately want to give her a chance at least. We had a good conversation about trying pain meds and seeing how she does and if she can heal. Amber was woken up from anesthesia and put on fentanyl, and so far is doing well! (More to come) Amber’s care is going to be far more complicated and expensive than we could have possibly imagined. Its going to take a loooong time and we are hopeful she will recover, but to be honest, we just dont know. Lucky for Amber, we have an incredible Kanda Family to rally behind her!! We have 2 amazing angels who are offering a match for Amber & Michelle’s expensive vet care!! If we can raise 1500, every dollar will be matched!!! Can we get some extra extra love sent to Amber & Michelle?? And can we get this match to keep fighting for them?? •️ Givebutter.com/kandafarmsanctuary • ️Paypal.me/kandafarmsanctuary • Venmo: @kandafarmsanctuary • CashApp: $kandafarmsanctuary #RescueStory#SaveTheAnimals#JusticeForAmber#CompassionOverCruelty#AnimalsDeserveBetter#KandaFamily
At first, Amber growled. She didn’t trust humans—how could she? Every past encounter had brought nothing but fear and suffering. But the volunteer who met her that day didn’t push. Instead, they spoke to her softly—“I told her I love her in both English and pig,” they said—and waited.
Then something incredible happened: Amber responded. “She was absolutely ecstatic,” the volunteer shared. “And so was I.”
Amber’s journey isn’t over. After a full medical check, the sanctuary revealed she has fractures in her shoulder and pelvis, along with other painful injuries. While some would have chosen euthanasia, Kanda Farm Sanctuary is giving her a fighting chance—and the same goes for Michelle, who’s also slowly learning to trust and heal.
One especially heart-melting moment shows Michelle receiving her first belly rub. “Her body relaxed, and for just a moment, the trauma faded,” they wrote. “This is what every pig deserves.”
Michelle’s First Belly Rub 🥹💜 There are no words big enough to describe how deeply grateful we are for the overwhelming love and support you’ve shown for Amber & Michelle. I had planned to share some of the hate they’ve received, cruel comments simply because they were born pigs, not dogs. But then I saw your comments. The ones full of compassion, empathy, and personal stories of transformation. And I realized that’s what matters most. That’s what changes the world. Michelle got her first belly rub today. Her eyes softened, her body relaxed, and for just a moment, the trauma faded. This is what every pig deserves. If Amber & Michelle’s story has touched your heart, please carry that compassion to the pigs still suffering in silence. They are no different, only less lucky. 💔 These girls were headed for slaughter. Fate and injury gave them a second chance. But you have the power to give the next pig that chance, simply by choosing kindness on your plate. #ForAmberAndMichelle#VeganForTheAnimals#CompassionIsStrength#KandaFarmSanctuary#PigsDeserveBetter
But love and healing come at a cost. The sanctuary is currently raising funds to cover Amber and Michelle’s medical care. Their goal is $1,500—and the best part? Every dollar raised will be matched.
These pigs have endured more pain than any animal ever should. But thanks to Kanda Farm Sanctuary, they finally have hope.
