This organization was created in part because there was a group of women who wanted to help pigs and the organization's mission and goals that they were a part of didn't align with their beliefs and ideas, so, they decided to find like-minded souls with the same ultimate goal and PAL (Pig Advocates League) was born. This organization is new and we have big plans. These plans will will eventually come to fruition, but for now, they're still very much in the planning phases. Please bare with us as we build from the ground up. Emergency situations come up with pigs and everything else gets put on the back burner because, let's face it, our goal is to help pigs! They will always be the priority, they will always come first, and when there seems like there is no way or no solution, we will make a way and find a solution to help. We thank you for visiting our site and hope you come back often to check the updated information. There is so much more to come!
As you read a little more about each person who currently serves on the board of directors, the one common factor you will notice is the unwavering love for pigs. Each person volunteers their time, knowledge and resources as each person is an important part of our organization and we couldn't be more proud of who we are and what we do.
As you read a little more about each person who currently serves on the board of directors, the one common factor you will notice is the unwavering love for pigs. Each person volunteers their time, knowledge and resources as each person is an important part of our organization and we couldn't be more proud of who we are and what we do.
Meet the PAL (Pig Advocates League) board....
Dianna Ciampaglione, President of PAL
I live in the great state of New York and currently have 10 pigs. The last pig I brought home was 3 weeks ago as of today's date. I have had pigs in my life for the past 23 years and have vowed to help anyone I possibly could ever since. I have been a volunteer at Catskill Animal Sanctuary where I worked with potbellies and was on the board of directors with NAPPA from 2010 to 2016. I work full time for Environmental Consultants as a water/wastewater specialist.
I live in the great state of New York and currently have 10 pigs. The last pig I brought home was 3 weeks ago as of today's date. I have had pigs in my life for the past 23 years and have vowed to help anyone I possibly could ever since. I have been a volunteer at Catskill Animal Sanctuary where I worked with potbellies and was on the board of directors with NAPPA from 2010 to 2016. I work full time for Environmental Consultants as a water/wastewater specialist.
Anna Davis-Key, Vice-President of PAL
Animals have always been a central part of my life, from growing up on a farm to working at a vet's office, and being a groomer for many years, but it wasn't until 3 years ago when I got my first pig that I found my calling. Like so many people before me, I saw a precious little piglet, got swept away in the moment, and brought her home on a whim. I was already her third home- and I was smitten right away. What I didn't realize at the time was that pigs are one of the most misunderstood- and misrepresented- animals out there. That while dogs and cats, for example, have so many people working to get them better rights, population control through spays and neuters, and responsible ownership through education, pigs are on the fringe of pets, sometimes considered livestock. The amazing people working on their behalf constantly fight the tsunami of myths about pigs that lead to sanctuaries being completely full. I quickly realized that I wanted to do all I could to help these intelligent creatures. It wasn’t long after that that I could no longer eat pork… and this led to becoming vegan. Because I came from a farming, country life background, I never want to do anything but set a joyful example of veganism, because I know that not everyone has had the chance to get the perspective I’ve been given. So if you’d ever like a fabulous new recipe, let me know! I’ve spent the last 3 years researching pig literature and learning from the experts in the veterinary, sanctuary and rescue fields. In doing so, I’ve met some truly wonderful people.
I’m a photographer and graphic designer, and help PAL with fundraising and social media. I now have 9 pigs; 7 potbelly and 2 beautiful big pigs. All were discarded, unwanted, abandoned, or in the case of my big pigs, meant for meat. I’m incredibly proud to be a part of this amazing team of people so dedicated to advocating for pigs!
Animals have always been a central part of my life, from growing up on a farm to working at a vet's office, and being a groomer for many years, but it wasn't until 3 years ago when I got my first pig that I found my calling. Like so many people before me, I saw a precious little piglet, got swept away in the moment, and brought her home on a whim. I was already her third home- and I was smitten right away. What I didn't realize at the time was that pigs are one of the most misunderstood- and misrepresented- animals out there. That while dogs and cats, for example, have so many people working to get them better rights, population control through spays and neuters, and responsible ownership through education, pigs are on the fringe of pets, sometimes considered livestock. The amazing people working on their behalf constantly fight the tsunami of myths about pigs that lead to sanctuaries being completely full. I quickly realized that I wanted to do all I could to help these intelligent creatures. It wasn’t long after that that I could no longer eat pork… and this led to becoming vegan. Because I came from a farming, country life background, I never want to do anything but set a joyful example of veganism, because I know that not everyone has had the chance to get the perspective I’ve been given. So if you’d ever like a fabulous new recipe, let me know! I’ve spent the last 3 years researching pig literature and learning from the experts in the veterinary, sanctuary and rescue fields. In doing so, I’ve met some truly wonderful people.
I’m a photographer and graphic designer, and help PAL with fundraising and social media. I now have 9 pigs; 7 potbelly and 2 beautiful big pigs. All were discarded, unwanted, abandoned, or in the case of my big pigs, meant for meat. I’m incredibly proud to be a part of this amazing team of people so dedicated to advocating for pigs!
Alana Rogers/Treasurer
I am originally from Providence, RI but have spent most of my life in Florida and the last 19 years in the Tampa area. The first pig I acquired was Rocco, he came from a breeder when I didn’t know any better, but captured my heart. I became active within the mini pig community and started following rescue stories. There were two distinct stories that really motivated to get off the sidelines and start helping-the Fairground pigs Anna Key adopted and the Tennessee Rescue of November 2014. My second pig, Willow, came from Izzy, who was one of the pigs rescued from Tennessee. It was after those Tennessee pigs were saved that I started becoming active in the rescue world. Since then I have fostered, helped coordinate many rehomes, done transports, and also volunteer with my young daughter at a large local pig rescue. When needed, I will take in underage piglets or very young piglets. Some of the pigs I have personally been involved with are Ms. Mo (now at Wallow in the Woods), Little John (now at Prissy and Bombers), and Pippy (RIP sweet girl).
I work in IT and handle the balancing of a billion dollar tax roll for a large Florida County. I am one of the founding members of Pig Advocates League and currently the Treasurer.
I am originally from Providence, RI but have spent most of my life in Florida and the last 19 years in the Tampa area. The first pig I acquired was Rocco, he came from a breeder when I didn’t know any better, but captured my heart. I became active within the mini pig community and started following rescue stories. There were two distinct stories that really motivated to get off the sidelines and start helping-the Fairground pigs Anna Key adopted and the Tennessee Rescue of November 2014. My second pig, Willow, came from Izzy, who was one of the pigs rescued from Tennessee. It was after those Tennessee pigs were saved that I started becoming active in the rescue world. Since then I have fostered, helped coordinate many rehomes, done transports, and also volunteer with my young daughter at a large local pig rescue. When needed, I will take in underage piglets or very young piglets. Some of the pigs I have personally been involved with are Ms. Mo (now at Wallow in the Woods), Little John (now at Prissy and Bombers), and Pippy (RIP sweet girl).
I work in IT and handle the balancing of a billion dollar tax roll for a large Florida County. I am one of the founding members of Pig Advocates League and currently the Treasurer.
Brittany Kyanne Sawyer/Director
Nurse by day and a pig whisperer by night. I am the proud pig parent of a 3 1/2 year old pig named Buttercup. I had a tragic situation with the first pig I ever got and vowed to educate myself, and others, about pigs after that event 8 years ago. I use my medical background as a foundation and have found that in the world of pigs, the medical information is much like human medicine. I am one of the founders of www.minipiginfo.com, an all inclusive educational website for pig parents and attend as many pig seminars and educational events that I can. I am currently a board member with Mo Money For Pigs, a nonprofit that raises money for emergency vet care for both rescues as well as regular people like me and you. Obviously one of the founders of PAL, an organization I am proud to be a part of. I spend much of my free time researching and writing articles for this website in addition to Mini Pig Info. The time I have left, I like to spend volunteering at pig rescues and helping others in pig world when I am able to get away from my own house. I am no expert, but I am experienced. There is a long list of people who have helped me get to the place I am at now and I continue to learn more everyday.
I have fostered several pigs on a long term basis, I have transported and provided vet care to rescue pigs I have had in my care and more recently, became involved with a rescue involving an extremely aggressive pig that would've no doubt been euthanized had I not stepped up to get him neutered and trained. He was successfully placed with a loving home fairly close to me, since I am only able to have one pig in my city based on outdated ordinances. Nonetheless, that experience taught me to never give up on a pig because even the unlovable can become great pigs with the right person showing them how. I have spent countless nights crying with fellow pig parents about situations that have arose. But I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. Good and bad experiences have made me the person I am today.
Nurse by day and a pig whisperer by night. I am the proud pig parent of a 3 1/2 year old pig named Buttercup. I had a tragic situation with the first pig I ever got and vowed to educate myself, and others, about pigs after that event 8 years ago. I use my medical background as a foundation and have found that in the world of pigs, the medical information is much like human medicine. I am one of the founders of www.minipiginfo.com, an all inclusive educational website for pig parents and attend as many pig seminars and educational events that I can. I am currently a board member with Mo Money For Pigs, a nonprofit that raises money for emergency vet care for both rescues as well as regular people like me and you. Obviously one of the founders of PAL, an organization I am proud to be a part of. I spend much of my free time researching and writing articles for this website in addition to Mini Pig Info. The time I have left, I like to spend volunteering at pig rescues and helping others in pig world when I am able to get away from my own house. I am no expert, but I am experienced. There is a long list of people who have helped me get to the place I am at now and I continue to learn more everyday.
I have fostered several pigs on a long term basis, I have transported and provided vet care to rescue pigs I have had in my care and more recently, became involved with a rescue involving an extremely aggressive pig that would've no doubt been euthanized had I not stepped up to get him neutered and trained. He was successfully placed with a loving home fairly close to me, since I am only able to have one pig in my city based on outdated ordinances. Nonetheless, that experience taught me to never give up on a pig because even the unlovable can become great pigs with the right person showing them how. I have spent countless nights crying with fellow pig parents about situations that have arose. But I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. Good and bad experiences have made me the person I am today.
Heather Knox, Director
You will see me on Facebook as Georgie Knox. Georgie is my pig, and I use his name as my pig world persona. I live in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Georgie is my only pig. We have had him for 8 years now, since he was a little guy. I thought I was educated before getting him, having read a small pet store book about Potbellies. Turns out I had NO IDEA what I was getting myself and my family into. After a few behavioral problems, I reached out to the online pig world for help, and along with getting advice - good and not so good - I started making friends. I joined NAPPA in 2011, initially to help with the newsletter. In the ensuing years, I worked closely with Dianna Ciampaglione, Anna Davis Key and Brittany Kyanne, helping the pig community by spreading information, helping with advice and raising money. This past April, the four of us parted ways with NAPPA, added a 5th member, Alana Rogers, and began afresh as PAL, the Pig Advocates League. I do not have a background with animal health, behavior or placement, but I do have a great fondness for these snouted creatures, and I do have a good sense of right and wrong. This group of women feels right, and I am honoured to work alongside these 4 dedicated women, being a voice for pigs in a world that so often misunderstands and mistreats them.
You will see me on Facebook as Georgie Knox. Georgie is my pig, and I use his name as my pig world persona. I live in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Georgie is my only pig. We have had him for 8 years now, since he was a little guy. I thought I was educated before getting him, having read a small pet store book about Potbellies. Turns out I had NO IDEA what I was getting myself and my family into. After a few behavioral problems, I reached out to the online pig world for help, and along with getting advice - good and not so good - I started making friends. I joined NAPPA in 2011, initially to help with the newsletter. In the ensuing years, I worked closely with Dianna Ciampaglione, Anna Davis Key and Brittany Kyanne, helping the pig community by spreading information, helping with advice and raising money. This past April, the four of us parted ways with NAPPA, added a 5th member, Alana Rogers, and began afresh as PAL, the Pig Advocates League. I do not have a background with animal health, behavior or placement, but I do have a great fondness for these snouted creatures, and I do have a good sense of right and wrong. This group of women feels right, and I am honoured to work alongside these 4 dedicated women, being a voice for pigs in a world that so often misunderstands and mistreats them.