RantCrush Top 5: December 9, 2016

TGIF, so let’s end the rant rundown with some happy news. The wildfires that struck Tennessee and devoured many people’s property are starting to calm down. And one family is extra thankful, even though their house burned down. When returning to his home to assess the damage, Rob Holmes found the family’s Vietnamese potbellied pig Charles, oinking a hello. Pigs are very intelligent animals and Charles had survived by kicking dirt on the flames as they came closer, and then burying himself in the mud. The family of four was forced to leave Charles behind when they originally fled and spent the night worrying about his fate. He is now being treated by veterinarians for smoke inhalation and burned hooves, while being applauded as a super tough pig on social media. Get better soon, Charles!

Charles the Pig, who survived the wildfires, receives letters from Russellville fifth graders. Way to go! @zacryan @tmurphsmith pic.twitter.com/qUytk6lJcm

— HamblenCountySchools (@teresabateayers) December 9, 2016

Emma Von Zeipel

Emma Von Zeipel is a staff writer at Law Street Media. She is originally from one of the islands of Stockholm, Sweden. After working for Democratic Voice of Burma in Thailand, she ended up in New York City. She has a BA in journalism from Stockholm University and is passionate about human rights, good books, horses, and European chocolate. Contact Emma at EVonZeipel@LawStreetMedia.com.