URBANDALE, Ia. — This is the story of one very lucky pig.  Who was headed to market when she bounced off a rig.

Laura Nicholls with the Animal Rescue League says, “They’re just lucky to survive when they fall off, and usually a broken leg like this on a market pig is pretty much a death sentence unfortunately.”

Her exit from the truck was the first stroke of luck.  But then, a kind woman found her and scooped her right up.

“She contacted some local shelters and they didn’t really do anything with market pigs,” says Laura.

So, a friend suggested the woman contact the Des Moines’ ARL, where the pig received proper surgery.

“So, we did find somebody, Dr. Taylor up in Cedar Falls,” says Laura

And a proper name, as well.

Laura says, “That’s kind of why I named her Olivia, ’cause it’s a story book.”

But in order for there to be a happy ending to this tale, Olivia must regain her strength, by pretending to be a whale.

Yes, a pig in a pool!  Have you ever heard something so silly?  When they explain the water takes the weight off, it makes sense, really.

Dr. Anil Regmi says, “I’m actually, I’m really surprised the way she is doing it for the first time.”

Dr. Regmi says one day Olivia will be running.  In a few weeks she’ll be out and about.

She adds, “The way I am seeing, the way she is doing, I don’t have any doubt.”

How nice for Olivia to take a dip, after all the stress she has taken.

“She has a wonderful story about everything that she has been through,” says Laura.

How nice that some people see her as more than sausage and bacon.