Princess Brittany Marie, beloved office pig and ruler of every roost she laid eyes on, has decided it’s time for a new mountain to conquer. She has crossed over Rainbow Bridge. She is now, no doubt, making mischief and winning friends by the dozen on the other side.

It would be hard to overstate how popular Brittany became during her time at Best Friends. Few other animals (or humans, for that matter) have been the recipient of so many grand and lavish presents year after year. Her fan mail was a natural consequence of all the visitors who came to meet her. "I heard there’s an office pig?" they’d say, peeking their heads through the door. And once they met Brit, they were friends for life. When word got out that her time was running short, Brit had a constant stream of well-wishers dropping in to say goodbye. She will not be forgotten.

Those who knew and loved her best could rattle off story after story about Brittany. There was the time Brit—who was normally fine around dogs—chased a bewildered Doberman out of the office just because she didn’t feel like sharing space that day...plus Britty really enjoyed scaring dogs!

Then there was the time she sprinted straight toward a large ditch and leaped across to the complete shock of Yvonne who had dropped to the ground trying to restrain her.

Sweet Princess Brittany

Brit's legs had been compromised from lack of proper care in her past and Yvonne was certain there was no way Brit could get across the opening in the ground. As Yvonne looked across the ditch, bewildered that Brit cleared the ditch, Ms. Brit looked back and "oofed" as to say "you thought I couldn't do that?!” The reason why? She didn’t feel like taking the long way around. (That arthritis of hers had a tendency to disappear when it got in her way!)

Pig manager and Brit's best friend, Yvonne McIntosh can hardly begin to list her favorite memories. One habit of Brittany’s stands out, though. Brit was always on the lookout for attention. When she wanted to say hi to Yvonne in the office, she’d grunt loudly to make her wishes known. If Yvonne didn’t respond quickly enough, Brit pulled out the big guns. She’d scoot over and trip a lever on Yvonne’s chair. The same lever every time. It was the one that sent Yvonne’s office chair flying forward! Gotta’ love a pig who knows how to get what she wants.

Boy, did she excel at getting what she wanted. This girl lived the high life. Even her breakfast beverages were gourmet. Exotic fruit juices and milks mixed with almonds and other goodies, it was practically a smoothie every day. One of Brit's favorite parts of meal time was being spoon fed her supplement mixture and if it wasn't brought fast enough she'd let it be known. And don’t even get started on her vast and stylish wardrobe. … Brittany lived an amazing life at Best Friends, including much better health than when she first arrived. In the beginning, Brittany could hardly walk five feet. After all the love and constant TLC, she enjoyed much better mobility.

Though she never won any 100-meter dashes, Brit was able to get around and see the sights. Not that she chose to stray far from her domain that often, mind you. Brit thrived as an office pig. "Let the world come to me," she’d say. Leave the cross-country hikes to someone else.

The last couple weeks or so, Brit started to slow down more than usual. She was older for a pig and it’s normal to lose a little steam in those golden years. This time, however, was different. She wasn’t the same. She was having increasing difficulty getting comfortable and then with her breathing.

Medical exams revealed a large mass in her abdomen. By way of background, several years ago Brit had already had multiple tumors removed before and then needed part of her intestines removed a day later—a tough ordeal that everyone was suprised she made it through. She had a history of cancer caused by not being spayed when she was younger.

Dr. Tara Timpson and Yvonne both doubted that Brit would survive a surgery this time around especially one involving a recurring cancer. She was older, her health was failing, her front legs were giving out once again and it was extremely stressful on Brit to try to get her to cooperate to go in a crate or in a car.

The bottom line was, they didn’t feel it would be fair to put Brit through all the stress and anxiety of a surgery she would likely not live through. It was time to say goodbye and allow her to continue on with her journey.

And, true to Brit’s way of life, that goodbye was done in the grandest style possible. Her final day was not only a day of farewells and hugs. It was a day of foods she didn't usually get to have, really good tasting foods like ice cream, Fruit Loops and french fries. A day of fruit bars and blueberries. A day to live the way Brit always loved. With good food and lots of friends.

She will be very missed and things won't be quite the same with out her at Piggy Paradise.

In memory of Her Royal Highness, a shade gazebo will be built in her name with a memorial plaque. It will be used for folks and pigs alike during volunteer sessions and tours. A lovely place to get out of the sun and relax while visitng Piggy Paradise. This gazebo will be built through donations in Brit's memory and can be sent to Piggy Paradise with Ms. Brit's name noted. Thank you to everyone who donated gifts for Brit, and made her feel like a royalty.

Written by David Dickson
Photo of Brittany in the rainbow blanket, created by Shelby Nelsen, by Brandi Bandy
Other photos by Gary Kalpakoff

June 18, 2009 : 1:50 PM ET
posted by: lindamagar

To Brittany and Yvonne

I will never forget the depth of devotion between the two of you. You both made my time at Best Friends moare than memorable. I have shared so many Brittany nd Yvonne stories with my friends. The memories will live on forever. Love Linda

June 8, 2009 : 12:53 PM ET
posted by: pawsitive

Thinking of you today, Brittany, as you are honored and remembered at Angel's Rest by all who loved you so much.

May 20, 2009 : 12:50 AM ET
posted by: dianaj

Oh Brittany.. I cried the first day I read this.. and still tears stil roll down my face! Reading about you and all the special piggies has tought me so much and I am proud to tell everyone about you!

I was talking to one my co workers one day and she was horrified when I told her how smart and beautiful piggies really are. She was like " Oh I would never touch one!"

I looked her straight in the eye and said " I would kiss any pig then have to spent time with such an ignorant person" LOL it was so pricless!! Pigs rule and now EX ignorant coworkers DROOOOLLLL

Thank you Brittany for all your special ways and you deserved all the love and devotion of Yvonne and all your fans!

May 19, 2009 : 9:50 PM ET
posted by: roberthb

Piggy Paradise has lost a true celebrity. My condolences to all .....

May 19, 2009 : 7:24 PM ET
posted by: myboyz89

It is very clear, Princess Brittany, that you were loved by so many! Thank you for making this world a better place. May you enjoy eternity being happy & healthy!

May 19, 2009 : 10:55 AM ET
posted by: twofeathermedicine

When I volunteered at Piggy paradise, Brittany was one of the first I met and such a center of attention. Her bed looked soooo comfortable. Brittany will be so mised by all, especially Yvonne who took such loving and faithful care. All those friends who crossed the Rainbow Bridge before Princess Brittany are in for a real treat. Carolyn S., Stafford, Virginia

May 19, 2009 : 10:45 AM ET
posted by: twofeathermedicine

I remember Brittany well from when I volunteered at Piggie Paradixe. Her bed looked soooo comfortable. She will be missed by all, but especially Yvonne who took such wonderful and loving care. All those who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge before Brittany are in for such a treat with her companionship. Namaste, Carolyn S., Stafford, Virginia

May 18, 2009 : 3:40 PM ET
posted by: lisaenglund

As a volunteer on the day your sweet soul passed, I had the fortune of meeting you and hearing all sorts of lovely stories about you! Oh, how you enjoyed the Fruit Loops that morning! Through all the tears and the hugs, I could tell that you were loved dearly and so very well cared for there at Best Friends. I look forward to hearing the wind chimes at Angel's Rest on my next visit, and will know that it is you running by on quick, healthy legs!

May 17, 2009 : 2:12 PM ET
posted by: pae007

Brittany has left the building. I wonder if St. Peter was sitting down when this princess reached the Gate at the end of Rainbow Bridge ... and if so, if fun-loving Brittany tapped the lever on it just to get St. Peter's full attention? I just love that story about Yvonne & her office chair. Oh, Yvonne, how she loved you.

May 16, 2009 : 3:03 PM ET
posted by: marys@bestfriends.org

Brittany, you changed my life forever, and I am so happy that you are free of your discomfort, but will miss you so much. Caregiver mommas Yvonne and Brandi were there for you, even making sure you wore your crown when you left us for Rainbow Bridge, as you requested, and making certain that your last day was filled with treats, attention, and love. I thought all my tears were spent until I read this article, and here I go again. Thank you for being the precious piggie that taught me the potbelly pig story, with education and one huge sense of humor!

May 16, 2009 : 1:06 PM ET
posted by: LadyKatz

I am sure Princess Brittany Marie has already taken over St. Francis' office in Heaven! Thank you Yvonne and all of you for giving Ms. Brit a great life, and saving her from pain in death. As soon as I find employment again, I will become a member and donator to the Best Friends. Now, everyone stop crying --- The Princess would have none of that !!

May 15, 2009 : 8:28 PM ET
posted by: squeakie42

Brit sounds like a fabulous girl. It's so good that she had such wonderful years at BF. Yvonne, I know you're the primo "Pig Lady," and I want to offer my sympathy. No one loves 'em like you have. Thanks for all you gave Brit.

May 15, 2009 : 12:38 AM ET
posted by: boomersmom

my heart breaks for yvonne. am so very sorry. rest in peace princess brittany, you were the most special girl.

sue in san diego

May 14, 2009 : 2:18 PM ET
posted by: smalleygold

I met Princess Brittany last year and rest assurred, you guys took very good care of her and you should be very proud. Brittany loved all you guys and is very happy running around with all the animals that have gone before her. I know you are sad, but just know that there's a big party going on in heaven for Brittany.

May 14, 2009 : 12:12 PM ET
posted by: reesemurphytx

My daughter Jessica and I met Brit last June...she was a lovely pig. Yvonne has done a wonderful job with all the pigs and I know how she must be hurting at the loss of Brittany. She definitely was a Piggy Princess! She will live on in our hearts forever!

Teresa & Jessica Murphy Spring, Texas

May 14, 2009 : 11:49 AM ET
posted by: czimmer671

Britney, there will never be another girl quite like you. I have so many wonderful memories of you, the Queen! How you loved those freeze dried mangoes! I loved seeing you chow down on those treats. I will miss you very much.

Yvonne, I am sorry for you and the hurt you are feeling. You took such wonderful care of Brit, your relationship with her was truly special. Brit loved you.

In addition to the Gazebo (which is fabulous idea!), there should be a street named for her..Britney Way..if there was ever a spectacular creature that had a "way" about her..it was Brit!

Love, Christina, Noah and Buck

May 14, 2009 : 11:46 AM ET
posted by: sschurmann

I feel so privileged to have met Britney in April. It was inspiring to see how she was cared for and loved by Yvonne and the other girls (not to mention all who visited there). I'm glad she got to experience that love every day of her life. I still get teary eyed when I think of the story Yvonne told me about Dr. Patti saving Britney's life when she was so sick that time after retruning from Salt Lake City. Thanks Dr. Patti for letting us have her for a few more years. When I came back from Best Friends in mid-April, my beloved Border Collie mix was diagnosed with liver cancer. He went so fast -- maybe he wanted to hurry up so he could play with Britney over the rainbow. I was already grieving for him when I found about about Britney. I am one sad human right now.

May 14, 2009 : 11:40 AM ET
posted by: jbandk9s

My little girl and I had SO much fun meeting you when we came to BF, dear Brittany. I am so sorry to hear that it was already time for you to leave us, and send my condolences to all those who loved you and gave you such a wonderful life. You'll live on in the memories and pictures of your many fans.

May 14, 2009 : 10:35 AM ET
posted by: lindablauch

We love you Brittany. Please watch over Yvonne and the rest of your caregivers as their hearts are so broken. Say hello to my little Coco and giver her lots of hugs and kisses.

May 14, 2009 : 8:47 AM ET
posted by: Dbillitto@yahoo.com

Yvonne and to the rest of the folks in Piggy Paradise, I just wanted to say how truly sorry I am for your loss. Thank you for doing what you do and I will be thinking of you all during these difficult times.

At a loss for words

David Billitto

May 13, 2009 : 8:49 PM ET
posted by: cwiley

Yvonne, I am sooo very sorry, I think you and Dr. Tara did the right thing. I am so going to miss her when I come up, it just won't be the same. Hugs to you all and I will see you over Memorial Day weekend.

Colleen