The Second Hand Sanctuary Story :
From One Pig to a Promise
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The Second Hand Sanctuary Story
From One Pig to a Promise Second Hand Sanctuary didn’t begin with a blueprint or business plan. It began with love—lifelong, unwavering, and a little bit unexpected. Valerie Bartlett and Justin Smith have always shared a deep bond with animals. Long before they met, both found joy and comfort in the company of creatures others often overlooked—rescued cats, stray dogs, backyard chickens, and barnyard misfits. Their hearts were wired for care, and together, that love only grew stronger. Then came Valerie’s birthday. She was offered a choice: a lavish weekend getaway at the Biltmore Estate or something far less traditional—a piglet, just like the one she had dreamed of having since childhood. Without hesitation, she chose the pig. That piglet was Oliver. Tiny, curious, and bursting with personality, Oliver trotted into their lives and changed everything. He wasn’t just adorable—he was expressive, affectionate, and surprisingly wise. Through Oliver, Valerie and Justin saw what so many fail to recognize: pigs are deeply emotional, highly intelligent beings who deserve respect, care, and connection. Just one week later, a post on the Nextdoor app appeared—another pig, Archie, urgently in need of a home. They said yes. Then they said yes again. And again. What began as a single act of compassion soon became a way of life. Saying yes became Second Hand Sanctuary. Nestled in the quiet hills of Honea Path, South Carolina, the sanctuary is now home to over 100 animals. While pigs are the heart of the sanctuary, it also provides a safe haven for chickens, turkeys, guinea fowl, and other farmed animals who, like Oliver and Archie, were once unwanted or forgotten. What started as a birthday gift has grown into a lifelong mission. A mission to protect, to uplift, and to honor the lives of animals who needed just one more chance. Valerie and Justin have built more than a sanctuary—they’ve built a promise: that every creature who finds their way here will be seen, valued, and loved. Because sometimes, when you open your heart to save someone else… they end up saving you, too. |
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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 and Justin, Second Hand Sanctuary began with a birthday wish and a piglet named Oliver.
Valerie, a lifelong animal lover from Florida by way of California and North Idaho, chose a pig over a
luxury vacation—and everything changed. Justin, raised in South Carolina, shared her passion,
and together they turned one rescue into a lifelong mission.
Nestled in Honea Path, SC, Second Hand Sanctuary is a nonprofit refuge for pigs in need. We provide
lifelong care to rescued pigs while educating the public and supporting pig owners with
resources and compassion.
🌿 Our Mission
To offer a loving forever home to pigs in need—and to inspire compassion through
education, advocacy, and community.
✨ Our Core Values
Compassion for all animals, especially misunderstood pigs.
Education to replace myths with knowledge and empathy.
Advocacy for ethical treatment and lasting awareness.
Community for pig lovers, caretakers, and change-makers.
Founded by Valerie and Justin, Second Hand Sanctuary began with a birthday wish and a piglet named Oliver.
Valerie, a lifelong animal lover from Florida by way of California and North Idaho, chose a pig over a
luxury vacation—and everything changed. Justin, raised in South Carolina, shared her passion,
and together they turned one rescue into a lifelong mission.
Nestled in Honea Path, SC, Second Hand Sanctuary is a nonprofit refuge for pigs in need. We provide
lifelong care to rescued pigs while educating the public and supporting pig owners with
resources and compassion.
🌿 Our Mission
To offer a loving forever home to pigs in need—and to inspire compassion through
education, advocacy, and community.
✨ Our Core Values
Compassion for all animals, especially misunderstood pigs.
Education to replace myths with knowledge and empathy.
Advocacy for ethical treatment and lasting awareness.
Community for pig lovers, caretakers, and change-makers.
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. |
