There are some souls that leave a mark on your heart forever.
Poldark came to our sanctuary when he was only about six months old. Before that, he had been living in a fake sanctuary here in Colombia. It was there that horses kicked him in the face, breaking his jaw so badly that he could no longer eat. By the time he arrived, his little face was terribly swollen, and we rushed him into emergency surgery that very same day.
The surgery saved his life. It also left him with his tiny tongue permanently peeking out, something that made him even more unique and became one of the many reasons everyone fell in love with him.
Watching him recover was one of the greatest gifts of my life. As the years went by, he grew into the gentlest giant. He never cared about being one of the lead pigs. He just wanted to play, ask for belly rubs, and be everyone’s baby. He made us laugh every single day, and there was something so pure about the way he looked at the world.
About a year ago, I started noticing that his legs and hips were no longer responding the way they once had. Walking became harder for him, so we did everything we could to keep him comfortable with pain management, medication, and all the care he needed. We launched a fundraising campaign because he needed specialized exams to understand what was happening. Although we could not move forward with those tests, we feared he was suffering from bone cancer.
Then something happened that I still cannot explain.
During his final days, Poldark started walking again. He even ran. It felt like a little miracle, a final gift that allowed us to see him enjoying life one more time.
Then one morning, he woke up unable to move.
That was Poldark’s last day. He left this world surrounded by the people who loved him and cared for him, by his friends, by gentle hands, kisses, and voices he knew. There was only love around him.
Saying goodbye was not easy for me. Poldark was my giant baby. Thank you, my beautiful baby boy, for choosing me as your safe place and for allowing me to serve you. I wish I could have given you more, beyond all my human limitations. I love you with all my heart. You will always be my baby, the funniest, the most playful, the sweetest soul. I miss you more than words can say.
Deep in my heart, I know that one day we will find each other again.
Thank you for loving Poldark with me. His story will always be part of Juliana’s Animal Sanctuary, and I hope it stays in your heart just as it will stay in mine.
