A remarkable third-grader is raising awareness for pet pigs who end up in sanctuaries after growing too large for their caretakers to cope with.
It was through personal experience that 9-year-old Alaina Holdread learned just how misleading breeders can be when it comes to selling cute “micro” or “teacup” pigs. In 2017, she became the caretaker for a pig named Daisy and was told her new animal companion would remain small. Two years down the road, however, Daisy weighs in at a hefty 150 pounds.
Fortunately, Alaina’s family has the space to care properly for a 150-pound pig, but many aren’t as fortunate.
“I started learning about all of the myths that are out there about potbelly pigs, like they will stay teacup size and they make good apartment pets,” said Alaina, speaking to Good Morning America. “This is not true, and a lot of people get rid of their pig once they figure this out.”

Alaina with her pig Daisy (Image Credit: Betty Holdread)
Unfortunately, shelters don’t always have enough room to care for so many pigs either.
“The rescues are flooded with pigs,” said Alaina’s mom, Betty. “They’re being euthanized every single day because they’re in dog shelters, things like that.”
Alaina decided to help save shelter pigs by launching Pink for Pigs, an initiative that raises money by selling handmade pig-focused gifts. She hopes her money will keep shelters from turning away or euthanizing these sweet animals.
Alaina also hangs out with pigs at rescue centers and has sponsored one of the abandoned pets, Mozy, at Smiggy’s Safe Haven and Sanctuary near her home in Michigan. Her sponsorship helps pay for Mozy’s food and medical bills.
Smiggy’s founder, Christy Guipe, says she’s regularly asked to take in unwanted pigs because their owners’ homes aren’t zoned to keep such animals.
“We need people like [Alaina] to sponsor these pigs,” explained Guipe, “otherwise all the financial responsibility is on us.”

Image Credit: Betty Holdread
“They are just my passion, and I just want to help save pigs’ lives,” Alaina added. “Part of what I do is educate the public about pigs so people can make better decisions.”
It is crucial for people to understand that the cute little pig they are thinking of taking home might grow into a large adult who needs a lot more space than most homes can provide.
Rather than buy a pig from a breeder, help a local animal shelter by sponsoring one instead.
You are very kind Alaina, for thinking so wisely of these beautiful lovable pigs & their plight. This can apply to many other animals as well. They buy the pet as a baby animal, cause they sure looks adorable & totally cute. But once they get older the scenario changes & the poor souls end up being neglected, abandoned or even thrown out of the house by their so called owners.
Thank you Alaina for trying to spread the word around & educate the others about the reality of these animals, so one can make a right decision prior buying any animal as their pets.
BLESS YOU, PRECIOUS LITTLE GIRL, B:ESS YOU AND YOUR RESCUED ANAIMALS!!!! LIVE FOREVR!
Thank you so much Alaina.
Brava sweet,generous, kind girl!
We applaud & thank you!
All animals deserve our care and protection.
PLEASE! Let’s STOP consuming them! Mother Nature, then, will take care of us without all the viruses, illnesses & famine!
Sincerely concerned,
David Aaron Harbin, family & friends
Alaina is a really special little girl. Thank you for your kindness.
Such a sweet young lady. Your parents have to be the best. Thank you for your HUGE HEARTS in saving these sweet babys.
Thanku for caring for these pigs. You are a beautiful girl. 🐷🐖🐽
With all the farms around why are they euthanized every day?? Maybe, after Reading Alaina’s story, this will stop.
I’m so touched..this sweet little girl made me cried tears of happiness
Alaina — you’re doing a wonderful job rescuing Pigs — keep it up — spread the word so many will follow suit, replicate your compassionate actions and jump on the bandwagon to help this beautiful cause — we all want to live happy, healthy lives, including PIGS.
Very touching that there are still children who love and respect animals. This is thanks to the parents who also raise these children normally. Pigs are indeed very intelligent and sensible, but most “people” without a heart see that andders.
Thank you SO much Alaina, for what you do!
It’s great to see a younger generation that wants to help animals rather than torture them. This little girl and the little boy who saved a puppy in an oil well are to be highly commended. These kids need to be leaders for this generation in the protection of animals. Happy news for a change.
Adorable!!!
BRAVO! young lady!!!!!!
Well done. You are little Wonder Woman.
What a wonderful child.
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