Article and Photography by Cayden Hagy | Owl Staff
Dogs and cats are the go-to house pets. They offer the companionship and emotional pull that we crave. A less popular house pet offers the same if not more companionship: the pig.
I had the pleasure of visiting Sue E’s Legacy (a pig rescue in Maryland) and interviewing its owner, Carrie Brittain, a Harford Community College alumnus.
Going into this interview and visit, I had no prior knowledge or experience with pigs and rescue-related facilities. I went into this situation open and eager to learn more about pigs and why we should care for them.
Brittain explained her story about how she came to run a non-profit pig rescue and why she continues to fight for this animal.
Pigs are the fourth smartest animal on the planet and can be house pets just like cats and dogs.
Sarah Von Alt, Senior Content Manager of Mercy for Animals says, “They are capable of playing videogames with more focus and success than chimps! They also have excellent object-location memory. If they find grub in one spot, they’ll remember to look there next time.”
Not only can they do these things, but they can also paint and create art. Pigs can be seen creating swine art on canvas with their noses or with actual paintbrushes.
“Pigs are the fourth smartest animal on the planet and can be house pets just like cats and dogs.”
Pigs also have different personalities just like humans. You might know of someone who is extroverted and always looking for something to do. Or you might find a laid-back and introverted person. Well, pigs are no different.
Carrie Brittain says, “Absolutely! They are just like people, with different personalities… They have the thought capacity and feelings exhibited by a three-year-old toddler.”
Initial thoughts on pigs are that they are stinky pigs, but they are more than what they appear to be from the outside perspective.
There are plenty of unique and interesting facts about pigs that the average person might not know about pigs. Understanding pigs and their nature was a unique experience for me and has shown me why people such as Carrie Brittain and Sarah Von Alt spread the word about pigs.
These animals are companions and offer support and a friendship that people are looking for.