Monday, August 23, 2010

Piggie's first month

By the end of the first month, Piggie has adapted very well. He acknowledges his name, knows his feeding times, and is familiar with us as his owners. He has grown trust in us and has an attatchment. He loves jumping and resting in my lap, whether he has to jump on the couch or as I sit on the floor. He makes himself comfortable and takes naps and sometimes we take naps together. He is practically odor-less and is clean (with the exception eating certain foods). He is now trained to go to his bed and sit before we put his bowl down so he can eat.

About a week ago, I was sitting on the couch reading a Glamour magazine, and he jumped in my lap and flipped the cover closed with his nose and attempted to push the magazine away. He is definitely developing his own personality and always craves our attention, but without being overbearing. We grow to love him more and more everyday and he always keeps us entertained.



Notorious loves grapes.

If his belly is rubbed, he lays on his side and relaxes.

Making himself comfy.

Notorious on his first vacation

He got along with other pets... although he preferred they're his size.

My favorite picture

Full and sleepy.

Saturday, July 31, 2010

Notorious' first bath

Here are pictures of Notorious PIG's first bath. As simple as a bath may sound, it was far from. Being 9 weeks old, I believe this was his first time in water. He tried to escape from the tub, unsuccessfully, as he slipped and slided trying to get out. We gave him apple slices and he calmed down so we could shampoo him and make him so fresh and so clean.

Getting use to the water..


More comfortable after a few pieces of apple


My favorite picture. I love his nose.




Friday, July 30, 2010

Piggie's first day

First picture of Notorious- on his way home.


Getting comfortable in his new bed.



Home with our Piggie.


Day 2 at the new pad.

Meet Notorious...

This is our 9 week old piglet, Notorious PIG. He was born May 12, 2010.

I purchased Piggie from a micro-mini pig breeder in Texas. I put a deposit on him in April, he was born in May and 8 weeks later we picked him up. He had his shots, was neutered, and ready to go.

A little background on me: I had made it my goal since I was a kid that I would one day own a pet pig. Growing up it was my favorite animal. I built a collection of everything pigs. When I went off to college my collection was on hold. Until this summer when I decided I had the funds, space, and time to raise a piglet of my own. That's when I found Piggie Smalls.

We set up a kennel I borrowed from my sister in the back seat of my 2 door car to take when we picked up Piggie. He was 4 hours away from home and we didn't know what to expect. The moment I saw him I fell in love instantly. He was extremely scared and squealed extra loud as we tried to get him into the kennel to bring him home. He was naturally not used to being picked up and prefered to have all 4 hooves on the ground. I was intimidated at first because I was afraid he was going to be that difficult all the time. He ran in circles and squealed in the kennel and pottied more times than we could count. Once we hit the road, Notorious finally calmed down and practically slept the whole way home. That was a very good sign.

To prep for Piggie, we purchased a big warm dog bed, water and food bowl, bag of horse bedding for his litter box, horse pellets (10%), and some fruits and veggies. We did our research and constantly googled what he can/ cannot eat and drink, what his noises mean, how to this and that. We allowed him to become comfortable with us and his new home before introducing him to new people or taking him out. He was hesitant on even being petted, but I realized with time he would warm up to us.

A week and a couple days later, and he has definitely made our place his home. He gets excited to see us and he's always eager to eat. When we tell him "Get in bed" he recognizes that as his cue, and (most of the time) hops happily in his bed. He puts his nose on my nose, which I consider kisses, and never squeals as loud as he did the first day. He's still not used to being picked up, but he is getting better everyday. We're in the process of teaching him to walk on a leash (he's still very resistant) and a few more tricks.

This blog is where I will be posting pictures, videos, and stories about Notorious as he grows. I'm sure others will grow to love him like we have.

Here is our first video of Notorious PIG. He is getting ready for bed.