Abandoned beer-loving pig rescued after Fort McMurray evacuation

Marshall the pig is many things, but one thing above all: a survivor. 

Last Tuesday, Marshall was sadly abandoned during the Fort McMurray evacuations. His owner, Michelle Coutu, told CBC News that she was forced to leave the four-year-old pig behind while her family fled the wildfire. They feared for his life, but were thrilled to discover him on a Facebook page for lost Fort McMurray animals on Monday.  

Not only was he happy and healthy, he was eating a watermelon.

"You can always pick out your kids," Coutu told CBC. "He has the white tip on his tail. In the picture, you could tell he was a little bit hesitant to get the watermelon … but definitely he's not going to turn down a treat."

Coutu only had enough room in her to grab her three daughters, grandson and three pigs when she fled. She knew Marshall was resilient but concerned he may not survive. So Coutu reported him lost and posted an ad online, hoping for a response.

Three years ago, Coutu was again sadly forced to leave Marshall behind when a nearby river flooded. Thankfully, three RCMP officers were able to pick him up and carry him to safety.

Coutu believes that Marshall may have taken refuge at a neighbor's or gone to search for some beer cans. 

"If you open a beer, he loves his beer," Coutu said. "You cannot put your beer down because you won't have a beer afterward."

This pig will outlive us all. 

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