Jonathan Ellis

(Sioux Falls, S.D.) Argus Leader

He’s on his way.

Wally the pig is on Interstate 90 heading east from South Dakota to his new home in New Richmond, Wis. – SoulSpace Farm Sanctuary, near the Twin Cities.

The last time Wally was on I-90, he fell off a truck that was likely heading to the slaughterhouse. The 250-pound pig wasn’t claimed after last week’s rescue, and Kara Breci, a retired police officer who founded SoulSpace, adopted him. Wally had been staying at the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society.

And perhaps it was the nice barn, lavished with abundant straw, water tub and Milk-Bone dog biscuits, combined with the memories of his last journey on a trailer, that made him reluctant to board another one on Friday.

It took much cajoling and extra help to get Wally on the trailer. Not even a trail of Milk-Bones could lure him inside. He was too smart.

Finally, Humane Officer Jordan Utech used a pole and harness to help guide Wally on the trailer. Utech was temporarily locked on the trailer with Wally until he could escape.

Wally will live out his days on one of the few sanctuary farms in the Midwest, said Breci. He joins 32 other animals, including sheep, a goat and other pigs. The farm is open for tours in the spring and summer.

Wally will be introduced to the other animals on the farm after he is inspected by a vet.