Today I met a young man who was born on a pig farm in Kansas. When he was a child he loved a little pig. But when the pig became big it was sent away. At that time he did not know where it had gone.
He told the story with a soft and gentle laugh.
A couple of years ago he was given a small pig as a gift. He named the pig Che. He would take Che for walks in the park amongst others who were out walking their dogs. He said he had more dates than ever before thanks to his Che. He spoke about his pig with great affection and told us how intelligent Che was - do you know, he even had mood swings and threw pillows and charcoal about when he was angry at being left alone too long?
But, oh dear, after four months that pig became big. Too big. His landlord said, "Mister, it's you or the pig!"
A gentle man who mumbled wistfully that the story of his life was the material of a sit-com.
I listened to his story, and as I drove home in the rain I thought, "He really does deserve a pig for life."
I mean, just how many pigs can a person lose in one life-time?
Update:
Hmm ... look what I found at Pratie Place ...
Awww. From what I hear, pigs really do make excellent pets. Maybe he could get a mini pig, like a potbellied pig?
Posted by: purple_kangaroo | August 17, 2005 at 02:09 AM
PK,
I think it was a "potbellied pig." I'll have to check it out and get back to you on that!
Posted by: Tamar | August 17, 2005 at 06:11 AM
Oh, what a sweet story. Pigs are sweet, but I really find furry animals more cuddly - something a bit too unsettlingly human about smooth-skinned creatures like pigs.
When does your semester start? - very soon, I guess?
Posted by: Jean | August 17, 2005 at 06:58 AM
Lovely .
Did you ever see that film with the talking pig who learned how to herd sheep? I can't think of the name of it now. It was wonderful, like your story.
Posted by: Natalie | August 17, 2005 at 07:33 AM
Natalie, you're thinking of the book (now also a movie) "Babe". It's a favorite around here, along with Charlotte's Web.
Posted by: purple_kangaroo | August 18, 2005 at 03:05 AM
Hello Jean.
August 29 for me!
Natalie,
It looks like Purple Kangaroo has the answer!
And, PK, yes, it was a "potbellied pig". But it still became too big!
Posted by: Tamar | August 18, 2005 at 04:15 AM
I thought the talking pig was Arnold Zwiffle? Was that another movie?
Posted by: nappy40 | August 18, 2005 at 01:13 PM
Looks like he sold the ring at the end of his nose to the Owl and the Pussycat. :D
Posted by: Joel | August 18, 2005 at 03:22 PM
his nose, his nose. with a ring at the end of his nose.
That's my favorite!
Posted by: nappy40 | August 18, 2005 at 11:32 PM
Joel and Nappy 40,
How you are both so sweetly making me laugh.
And, now then, should we be laughing at the expense of this new dear friend who has lost more than anyone's fair share of pigs - "potbellied" or other?
Now, really? Should we? Think about that as ya'all go about your day!
Posted by: Tamar | August 19, 2005 at 07:29 AM