Hi, Jenna here…

I don’t really understand why everyone doesn’t automatically get me as their secret Valentine this year. I mean, what’s better than secretly knowing you’re getting a Valentine while also secretly knowing it will be me?!? 

Exactly.

I would be an excellent Valentine. I am warm, loyal, emotionally available when not distracted by carrots, and I show up every single day needing hugs. The surprise alone would be worth it. You’d spend everyday wondering who your Valentine is and then BOOM it’s me. Best day ever.

I have been told, however, that Valentine’s Day is about sharing love, and that I cannot keep all of it for myself. So fine. I will reluctantly agree. And mom and dad tell me this is very wonderful for me to do. They seemed surprised… likely because they know how right I am about my original thinking.  

Still, let’s be honest with ourselves. In spirit, I am still everyone’s Valentine.

Dear Diary,
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Today, I saw Huckleberry standing there. 
Soft, round, unsuspecting.

​I told myself, “Edna, you are new here. You must resist.”

Yesterday was a BIG day for Tia and her babies, Rachel and Betty. After weeks of spending their days safely in the covered run, we finally let them out into the yard to explore.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to live in a peaceful, harmonious animal sanctuary where everyone coexists in perfect serenity… we can confirm that we have no idea.

Because lately, Life With Pigs has been less Little House on the Prairie and more Real Housewives of the Barnyard.

(Please note, this was written before Edna had a name.  We've asked Jenna for comment, but she has been silent since the name announcement.  Maisie is following suit.)

​Jenna has long reigned as the only fully horned superstar around the sanctuary. But then there was a goat. Yep, a goat with horns.  Jenna doesn’t understand why that was necessary. She felt that two horns were plenty for one sanctuary.  She keeps pointing out that the new kid doesn’t even have a name.  We’ve explained many times that she will have a name soon, but Jenna doesn’t understand and just keeps coming back to she’s just not sure how to feel about a nameless goat.  

But we are reassuring her that no matter how many horns, she will always be the star of the show and that her horns will always be the biggest.  This provides a little comfort.

Maisie isn’t helping by constantly trying to sneak a peak of the newcomer. Fortunately, Jenna hasn’t noticed this betrayal. And Maisie is quick to agree with the absurdness of having no name whenever Jenna mentions it.  

Why? Because apparently, everyone is “busy.” Huck had a “medical emergency.” Mallory had plans to make, ensuring Huck’s recovery.  The sanctuary had “so much going on.” Excuses.

Jenna has responded with grace, of course. By which we mean, she’s banged her horns on the house window every time someone dared to cuddle a pig or, heaven forbid, talk sweetly to Maisie.  At one point, she followed the pigs right up to the back door, locked eyes with Ryan, and mooed in fluent passive aggression.

To her credit, Jenna has also been very patient. She has waited nearly 47 whole seconds at a time before demanding someone pet her. And she only tried to chase the sheep off twice this week, which is a clear sign of growth.

But let’s be honest. Jenna will not rest until balance is restored. Until she is once again the sun, and we are all just happy little planets orbiting her.

And don’t worry, Jenna. The love, praise, and worship you deserve are coming. We hear your demands. We accept your terms.
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Because truthfully.... we wouldn’t have it any other way.