These best friends came from a dark place: an illegal backyard pig farm. The circumstances were chilling: more than 80 pigs, including Emmett and Wyatt, languishing in dim, cramped, and waste-filled barns, trailers, and sheds across the property. The reek of ammonia from improper airflow was causing them significant respiratory distress. The pigs were also emaciated, plagued with parasites, and terrified of humans.

The worst part? We’d rescued more than 125 freezing, starving, and neglected pigs from this same property about 15 years prior. But after a brief probationary period, the farmer was able to resume operations.

Some people see locally raised meat as healthier and more humane. Yet there’s nothing idyllic about life on a farm whose operations (and mistreatment) long go unchecked. Wyatt needed surgery for a massive hernia, likely the result of beatings. Emmett, weakened by parasites, later suffered an intestinal blockage that caused him to kick at his side in pain.

We got the court’s permission to remove these ailing pigs from the property. Those in the greatest need—24 in all—were taken to our New York shelter for immediate care. Our rescue partners at the Cattaraugus County SPCA helped secure safe placement for the others.

It’s hard for anyone to heal if they’re fearful or grieving, which is why love and support are vital to recovery. When completing larger rescues, it’s crucial to find and maintain all bonded animal groups. These bonds are imperative to their overall quality of life.

Emmett and Wyatt always gravitated towards each other, so we knew they had to stay together. They remained cautious at first, huddling close for support while adjusting to their new lives at Farm Sanctuary. But they were also curious. Together, they watched their neighbors line up for pats and attention and ultimately decided they could trust us, too. Soon, they were rolling over for belly rubs, kicking up their feet in response to this simple kindness.

Three years later, the boys remain best friends. They love exploring—we often see them rooting through their pasture together—and always sleep snuggled side by side. They’re a mellow contingent of their larger herd but always have each other’s backs when the “big kids” get too rough. They are friendly, happy, and finding their place together.

This Valentine’s Day, you can “adopt” Emmett and Wyatt through Farm Sanctuary’s Adopt a Farm Animal Program. In gratitude for your one-time, $35 gift, we’ll send you a digital certificate featuring this porcine pair. Print it for yourself, or email it to the people you love.

Emmett and Wyatt are better together—and so are we! With your support, we can give these pigs a loving home and reach more farm animals still in need. It only takes a little love to make a big difference, and there’s no limit on the love we can all get in return. These boys are important members of our family, and we feel grateful that you get to love them, too.