Whenever there are pig-as-pet (not pork) discussions and stories, we are immediately informed about their intelligence, superb potential domesticity and yes, lovableness. Yet, we primarily have dogs and cats for pets. Also birds in cages or even (parrots) roaming freely around the house. If we can afford it, a few of us have pet horses under our affectionate care. But, no pigs. (Well, maybe a few, but certainly nothing like the volume of most other pet species.)

Why is that? What do pet stores have to say about this? Is there no pet market for pig breeders? Why aren't there pig pet kennels, piglet conformation shows or piglet obedience and agility trials? Has Maddie Johnson sparked a potential pet pig paradigm shift that's been waiting to happen?

As a former dog and cat owner, upon reading this article I intend to launch a persuasion strategy to convince my wife of this new way to solve our 'empty nest' problem. At least, I'm about to do some serious Google due diligence.

Might be fun doing a story on Pickles in Gentry Magazine. Let me know.
Elsie Floriani
Founder/Executive Editor
Gentry Magazine
elsie@18media.com