Noordelijk Enterprises, Inc. ~ Professional Dog Training Services

After waiting almost a year for this little guy, Thurston Pigsworth III finally comes to live on our farm July 24, 2010 from the Kune Kune Preserve in North Carolina. I got the inspiration for his name after reading the book by Sy Montgomery on a pig named Christopher Hogwood. My friend Katy Stewart gave me the book in hopes to cheer me up after I lost the battle of trying to save a farm pig from slaughter. I named him Wally. I clicker trained him to do various behaviors knowing that his life would only be about six months long, but it was about him having a little bit of quality life than none at all..

I lost Thurston on September 7, 2010 after an unexplained illness. I had him euthanized on the operating table at Tufts University after the doctors said their was no hope for him to make a recovery. The wonderful team of doctors worked so hard to help him, sadly it was too late for Thurston. As of 9|23|10 the doctors from Tufts are writing their diagnostic report. The results of Thurston's necropsy have come back from Tufts. In layman's terms, somehow there was a perforation in his small intestine that allowed food to enter into his abdomen causing acute peritonitis resulting in Thurston's death. The cause of the perforation is undetermined.

thurston

I am wrought with grief over the loss of my special boy and I hope someday to learn why I lost him so young. I only had 46 days with Thurston, but he impacted my life in ways beyond my imagination. The bond we shared was unlike anything I have ever experienced in my life and I know he loved me as much as I loved him. He reminded me of what is really important in life and the simply joys of everyday experiences. He reminded me to appreciate the times you spend with those you love. I'm eternally grateful for the time we shared and I will hold him close to my heart forever. thurston dad

Thank you to his Breeder, Cyndi Berry, from the Kune Kune Preserve for helping me get through this terrible loss. We are determined to find answers to help other pigs when their wasn't hope for Thurston. Thank you to Dr. John Carr from England, a veterinary pig specialist who is also helping me find some answers for all of us. And of course to the doctors from Tufts Large Animal Veterinary Hospital for their care of Thurston. Thurston loved sleeping in bed and cuddling with me all night long. He would cover himself with pillows and blankets and would sleep so soundly. He was truly the smartest animal I have ever trained and he taught me more in his short life than I would have ever thought possible. I will never understand why he was taken away from me so soon; however, I will never regret our time together even though the pain now is so unbearable.

Picture above left, "Me and Thurston in North Carolina on our way home to New York, my only picture with him"
Picture on left, "Thurston relaxing in our bed with his Dad"

This is my favorite picture of Thurston playing in the pool with my Border Collie, Lochlan, he loved the water.

Thurston was a Kune Kune Pig. Kune Kune origins are unknown, but are thought to have been brought to New Zealand in the early 1800's. Some believe they are originally from the Polynesian Island since there are still pigs in the South Pacific with tassels. Tassels, called "piri, piri", is a unique Kune Kune trait.

The Kune Kune were saved from extinction in New Zealand in the 1970's by the dedication of Michael Willis and John Simster. After buying as many Kune Kune as they could find, only amounting to about 9 pigs, they were able to save the Kune Kune population with a careful breeding program.

Kune Kune are strongly associated with the Maori people, the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand. Kune Kune means "plump" in Maori.

Kune Kune have always been domesticated pigs and are known for their friendly and outgoing nature. They are completely covered in hair and come in a variety of colors. They love human companionship and like all pigs, they are extremely intelligent.

Nadja and Thurston running down the A-Frame - Thurston loved his training and ran so fast for a little pig.

Nadja top left, Gage, War, Ugri Middle next to Lochlan and bottom Flame and Thurston. Even though he was a pig, they didn't care, Thurston was family.

5 Weeks

Thurston | 3rd from right | 1 Week