Lone crash survivor goes wee, wee, wee to a new home

MARYSVILLE – Little Nathan is a true survivor.

The lone rescued piglet of a June 8 semi crash on U.S. 35 near Xenia is housed at Sunrise Sanctuary in Union County.

The tractor trailer was hauling 2,200 piglets, all 10 days old. They were on their way to a "nursery" before being sent to a factory farming facility and eventually to slaughter, according to Sunrise Sanctuary. Half of them died in the crash and the others were taken to the farm.

Founded in 2001 by director Mindy Mallett, Sunrise Sanctuary is a private 16-acre animal rescue that provides "a loving and permanent shelter for over 170 formerly abused, neglected, disabled and unwanted farm animals."

A good Samaritan found Nathan and brought him to Sunrise Sanctuary, where he is being cared for, according to the group's Facebook page.

"Little Nathan needs your help. He is suffering from a respiratory infection and nutritional loss. We are going to be expanding an area outside for him which will require special fencing and a new barn. Little Nathan won't be little for long so it is imperative that we raise enough funds to get his home ready for him as soon as possible," the post states.

Nathan will also require regular vet care and food. The sanctuary has already incurred expenses for Nathan — named in honor of Nathan Runkle, founder and president of Mercy For Animals — and is asking for donations.

"Our goal is to raise enough to care for Little Nathan for the first year of his life," the group wrote. MFA is matching contributions dollar for dollar up to $3,000 through July 31.

Like many humans, Nathan has a GoFundMe page. The goal is $5,000. As of Thursday morning more than $1,600 has been raised.

To assist in caring for Nathan, contact Sunrise Sanctuary at 937-578-8771. or visit the group's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SunriseSanctuary.

"We really appreciate all of the support we have received from everyone," the group said in its newsletter, Sunrise Tails.

aconchel@gannett.com

740-375-5107

Twitter: @anthonyconchel