Harriet the Pig – Part two

Last week we told you about Harriet and her journey to her new home with Dr Michael Dunn and his wife, Catherine. Because education is key in any successful life with animals, we asked  Catherine, to share the challenges and joys of pet pigs. Here’s what she told us.

“They are so intelligent – they not only need a proper diet to maintain their health, but they also need mental and physical stimulation.  If they don’t receive it, they act out.  A bored pig is not a happy pig.  My daughter taught our pig Tink how to paint – she is a little Pigcasso!!!  You pick the colors and she will paint! Her eagerness tells you how much she enjoys it and her tail goes a hundred miles per hour.  

“What it comes down to is people doing their homework.  I do absolutely love pigs. I love how the respect you give them is truly a mutual relationship. There are a few things that need to be established, built, and understood.

“Pigs don’t see well.  If they get startled, they can snap or nip. I don’t believe it’s because they are mean. They are simply in defense mode because their eyesight isn’t the best.

“Pigs need rules. You have to be firm but kind with them.  Pigs will hold a grudge and they are very emotional so you have to be sensitive with them and their feelings.

“Pigs need love and this comes in many forms – they need maintenance in terms of hoof care, skin care, and overall well being.  It is a big undertaking and one that needs to be followed.

“We bring our pigs to school regularly – it’s important to keep the pigs social as they are very social animals but also it’s important to me to educate people about pigs and pets in general – the more information people and children have, the better and more responsible pet owners they will be, not to mention, I hope, that they make good choices when it comes to what kinds of pets to have.”