Ariel’s Page

Ariel, the current queen piggy of the rescue is part of Potbelly Manor’s pet-assisted therapy program. She visits local schools to teach children about being kind to animals and spreads cheer at nursing homes.

Ariel’s story: Ariel came to Potbelly Manor in April of 2009. Her mother was one of 100 pigs rescued from a hoarding situation in Pennsylvania. Thankfully Ariel was still in her mother’s belly and was spared the ordeal.

Her life is now one of privilege and joy – she’s treated like the princess she is at Potbelly Manor!

Ariel has had numerous appearances:

June 2009: Ariel visited several schools in the North Kingstown area to teach children about the importance of respecting animals and treating them kindly.

2010: Additional school and nursing home visits-children and adults alike love Ariel! Special-needs adults and children also came to the farm to visit with Ariel, as well as with Bette Davis the cow.

2011: Ariel visited Globe Elementary School in Woonsocket, attended a senior presentation at Moses Brown and more.

2012 & 2013: Ariel appeared at the Pet Refuge Dog Walk, the adoption weekend at Pet Sense, visited many nursing homes and schools and also had visitors from special-needs programs visit her at the rescue.

2014: Ariel visited the West Bay Community Center in Warwick RI. Everyone was so delighted to see Ariel that they made signs welcoming Ariel and also everyone wanted to touch her and Ariel loved them as much as they loved her!

2014: Ariel visited Pet Sense in Westerly, RI, for Adoption Day. We were trying to find a home for some of our rescue animals while other organizations were there to find homes for cats, dogs etc. and, as usual, Ariel was a star receiving a lot of attention.

2015: In March, Ariel visited the Job Corps Academy in Exeter, RI, and the State Street School in Westerly, RI and was a big hit at both venues.

2015: In May, Ariel went “On The Road Again” and this time it was at the Jewish Alliance School in Providence where she interacted with the children and Ariel got to eat lots of grass, play and kick up her hooves with the children who just loved Ariel and she loved being with them too. A good time was had by ALL.

2015: Ariel was a big hit at the Windwalker meeting that she was invited to attend in May. While she was walking around and interacting with the audience, Liz and Audrey were talking about Potbelly Manor and their Pet Therapy program with Ariel going to Nursing Homes, schools etc., which is what Windwalker does. Ariel sooo enjoyed herself as everyone enjoyed her.

2015: In July, Ariel visited the Jewish Alliance summer camp and was a great hit with all the children there.

2015: Ariel hung out with the Staff at Great Clips Hair Salon to promote our fundraiser held in July.

2015: Ariel went to the Elmhurst Extended Care Facility 9/26/15 where she interacted with everyone and a good time was had by ALL, lots of smiling faces and laughter.

2016: On 2/26/16, Ariel went to Pet Supply Plus as part of a fundraiser supporting Defenders of Animals and Dennis Tabella (founder).

2016: On 3/31/16, Ariel went to Jackson Elementary School in Plainville, MA, for a “Kiss the Pig” assembly to promote reading.

2016: On 4/17/16, Ariel was at the Cumberland Library assisting in celebrating the importance of book reading where a good time was had by all especially the children!!

2016: On 6/4/16, Ariel went to the Compass School Eco Fair held in Saunderstown where she along with everyone that she oinked with had a fun time.

2016: In June, Ariel visited the Jewish Alliance Summer Camp in Providence, RI where she loved meeting and playing with the children.

2016: On 7/1/16, Ariel went to the Hope Alzheimer’s Center in Cranston, RI and she lifted everyone’s spirits as they had made pictures for her and little piggy banks welcoming her to their facility.

2016: Ariel visiting a woman in September that loves piggies and has some physical limitations therefore Ariel went to her and got a few treats and belly rubs so a good time was had by all.

2016: Ariel went to visit an elementary school in Providence, where we educated people on potbelly pigs along with the other farm animals that we have and the children asked great questions!

2017: Ariel visiting the Summer Villa in Coventry. This was the first time this year that Ariel went “on the road again” to visit those that needed their spirits lifted.

2017: Ariel went to Cornerstone Adult rehabilitation Center in Coventry to entertain and lift the spirits of everyone that attends the Rehabilitation Center she completely enjoyed herself as did the attendees.

2017: Ariel went to Barnes and Noble in Warwick to participate in a fundraiser in conjunction with Defenders of Animals.

2018: Ariel attended the Kiss the Pig contest at Davisville Middle School in North Kingstown.

2018: Ariel was invited to Wakefield Hill Elementary School in West Warwick to attend their after school program.

Below: YouTube Video – “Plainville Principal Kisses A Pig”