The Second Hand Sanctuary Story :
From One Pig to a Promise
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From One Pig to a Promise: The Second Hand Sanctuary Story
Second Hand Sanctuary didn’t start with a boardroom blueprint or a calculated five-year plan. It began with an open gate, a shared instinct to protect the overlooked, and a quiet, life-altering choice. Long before their paths crossed, Valerie Bartlett and Justin Smith shared the same magnetic pull toward animals in need—the stray dogs wandering rural roads, backyard chickens without a coop, and barnyard misfits everyone else had given up on. When they came together, that empathy wasn't just doubled; it became the bedrock of their life together. Then came a milestone birthday. Faced with the choice between a luxurious weekend escape to the Biltmore Estate and a long-held childhood dream of welcoming a piglet, Valerie didn’t hesitate for a second. She chose the piglet. That piglet was Oliver. Curious, spirited, and bursting with unfiltered personality, Oliver trotted into their home and quietly dismantled every misconception they had ever encountered about farm animals. He wasn't just charming; he was acutely perceptive, remarkably expressive, and deeply emotional. Through Oliver, Valerie and Justin experienced firsthand what the world so often overlooks: pigs are brilliant, sentient beings capable of profound connection, possessing a distinct sense of humor, dignity, and grief. Just seven days later, a plea appeared on Nextdoor for another pig named Archie, facing an uncertain and urgent fate. They said yes. Then came another plea, and another. Saying yes soon stopped being a series of isolated rescues—it became a way of life, a calling, and ultimately, Second Hand Sanctuary. Tucked into the rolling pastures of Honea Path, South Carolina, the sanctuary has grown into a vibrant, peaceful forever home for more than one hundred animals. While pigs remain the beating heart of the pastures, the sanctuary gates open wide for turkeys, guinea fowl, chickens, and other rescued farm residents who simply ran out of options elsewhere. What began with one birthday piglet has grown into an enduring promise: that every animal passing through these gates will never be treated as secondhand again. Here, they are safe, respected, and finally home. |
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Size Doesn't Matter
Size doesn’t matter when it comes to love, mud, and snout boops!
At Second Hand Sanctuary, we care for pigs of all shapes and sizes—from Ahimsa, our gentle 800-lb queen who lounges like royalty, to little Miss Daisy, a sassy 40-lb potbelly with BIG attitude. 💅🐽 Both are fully grown, fully fabulous, and fully deserving of love. Let’s bust the myth that potbellies stay tiny and full-size pigs can’t be pets. Because when it comes to compassion... size never stood a chance. |
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Meet Valerie and Justin
About Second Hand Sanctuary
Founded by Valerie Bartlett and Justin Smith, Second Hand Sanctuary began with
a single birthday wish and a piglet named Oliver.
Valerie, a lifelong animal lover whose journey carried her from California to
North Idaho to Florida, famously chose a pet piglet over a luxury vacation
getaway—and set a whole new life in motion. Justin, rooted in South Carolina and
sharing that same deep-seated devotion to overlooked animals, stood right beside her.
Together, one spontaneous rescue quickly grew into an enduring, full-time calling.
Tucked into the quiet pastures of Honea Path, SC, Second Hand Sanctuary is a
501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and lifelong care
of farm and potbelly pigs. We provide a peaceful, permanent refuge for animals
in need while giving the public the tools, education, and support necessary to
understand and protect these intelligent beings.
Our Mission
To provide safe, lifelong refuge and exceptional care for rescued pigs in need,
while inspiring lasting compassion through education, advocacy, and
community outreach.
Founded by Valerie Bartlett and Justin Smith, Second Hand Sanctuary began with
a single birthday wish and a piglet named Oliver.
Valerie, a lifelong animal lover whose journey carried her from California to
North Idaho to Florida, famously chose a pet piglet over a luxury vacation
getaway—and set a whole new life in motion. Justin, rooted in South Carolina and
sharing that same deep-seated devotion to overlooked animals, stood right beside her.
Together, one spontaneous rescue quickly grew into an enduring, full-time calling.
Tucked into the quiet pastures of Honea Path, SC, Second Hand Sanctuary is a
501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and lifelong care
of farm and potbelly pigs. We provide a peaceful, permanent refuge for animals
in need while giving the public the tools, education, and support necessary to
understand and protect these intelligent beings.
Our Mission
To provide safe, lifelong refuge and exceptional care for rescued pigs in need,
while inspiring lasting compassion through education, advocacy, and
community outreach.
Meet the Board
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🌟🐷 A Historic Milestone for Second Hand Sanctuary! 🐷🌟
We are overjoyed to share that our very first Board of Directors has officially been elected! This is more than just paperwork — it’s the heartbeat of our future. These incredible folks are stepping up to guide the sanctuary, strengthen our mission, and help us carry the love of our herd into tomorrow. ✨ Please join us in celebrating and welcoming our 2025 Board of Directors:
Each of these leaders brings heart, vision, and a whole lot of grit to the table. Together, we’ll keep writing the story of compassion and care — one pig, one donkey, one feathered friend at a time. 💚 From the bottom of our muddy boots and wagging tails: thank you for standing with us in this exciting new chapter. #SecondHandSanctuary #BoardOfDirectors #BundleOfSticks #CommunityInAction 🐾 Want to Join the Herd? We're always looking for passionate individuals to serve on our board or advisory team. |
