HI, MY NAME IS… Danielle Betterman, director of Better Piggies Rescue.
I’VE LIVED IN THE VALLEY FOR MY ENTIRE LIFE (I’M AN ARIZONA NATIVE) AND I LOVE IT BECAUSE… the weather is perfect, even when it’s hot. We have the best wildlife, and our sunsets are amazing!
A TYPICAL DAY IN MY LIFE INCLUDES… taking care of over 175 rescue pigs, which include pot belly pigs and farm hogs. Our sanctuary is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, adoption, and education of pig ownership in Arizona. Our amazing volunteers and I ensure they have plenty of food, poop picked up, shelters cleaned, and medical needs assessed.
MY FAMILY IS… the amazing rescue pigs that call Better Piggies home. We have small and large pigs, plus three rescue cows. Additionally, I’m happy to call our volunteers a part of the family because they love and care for the rescues like their own.
ONE THING I CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT IS… plenty of piggy treats like fruits and veggies, Oreos, and Cheerios. We work with the local food bank and various donors to provide the best possible meals and treats to the pigs.
MY FAVORITE MOVIE I COULD NEVER GET TIRED OF WATCHING AND WHY IS… “Babe.” It’s a crowd favorite around here.
WHEN I WAS YOUNGER, I WANTED TO BE… an animal rescuer, just like my father. Based on his teachings, I was able to fulfill that dream.
THE SONG I WOULD SING AT KARAOKE NIGHT IS… “War Pigs” by Black Sabbath. I hope that everyone is seeing a theme here.
THE ONE PERSON WHO MOTIVATES ME IS… my amazing friend and loyal volunteer Beth. She is kind and loving but also helps with feeding and numerous pig rescues. I would be nowhere without my friends/volunteers. They are the best extended family I and the piggies could ask for.
THE LAST THING THAT MADE ME LAUGH OUT LOUD WAS… anything the pigs are doing which goes right on our TikTok page (@betterpiggies). We want everyone to see how amazingly nerdy these pigs are and how much smarter they are than other animals.
THE PERFECT DAY IS… sitting at the sanctuary, hanging with the pigs, knowing they are happy, healthy, and free from harm.
MY FAVORITE LOCAL NONPROFIT IS… Better Piggies Rescue and to find out more about tours or volunteering, please visit our website at betterpiggiesrescue.org
MY LIFE IS… hard but rewarding. You meet the worst people when rescuing an animal but also the best that help with the rescue or their extended care. This isn’t a life for everyone but I’m happy to share it in any capacity people request.
THE BEST GIFT I’VE EVER RECEIVED WAS… my first ever pig, Beezers. He was a Christmas gift 12 years ago, he is the reason for the rescue, and he is my best friend and the love of my life.
MY DREAM VACATION WOULD BE… vacation? What is a vacation? You can’t go on vacation with 175-plus pigs that you have to take care of daily.
THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE I’VE EVER RECEIVED IS… “Whenever you feel sad or lonely and need a friend, just cuddle up to a rescue pig. You will have a friend and cuddle buddy for life.”
