Photo by Ms. Jen with her Nokia N95.

Sat 10.24.09 - The best part of today was hearing the rumor from Terri Callis and Bird that a PIG has moved into the neighborhood and then walking over to meet him. Bubba is amazing. His family is also super cool and talked to us for about 20 minutes answering all of Terri and I's questions about Bubba living at the beach in an apartment with a small yard. Both Terri and I were completely smitten and I think her next pet is a micro-pig*.

Apparently, Bubba's family got him before then moved into their apartment, which is less than a block from the beach, and when they told their future landlord that they had a 120 lb Alastian Shepherd dog and a pig, the landlord was thrilled about a pig.

Bubba is cute, smart, charming, and well-trained. He was apparently very easy to train to a leash & harness, he takes regular baths, sleeps in bed with his family, and came potty trained (has his own spot in the yard). Bubba is a vegetarian and eats sparingly so that he does not get fat or slows down. He also no longer needs his leash and harness but follows his family around town as they walk the dog.

I am also smitten with Bubba.

I love the idea of a pig as a pet and not just a farm animal. I love the idea of nature in the city. I love the fact that we have raccoons, rabbits, and coyotes in our neighborhood, not a neighborhood on the verge of the hills or wild lands, but a neighborhood bounded by a big city to the north (Long Beach and then LA), a big ocean to the west (the Pacific), and a big Naval Station with wetlands and open space to the east and south (Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station). It reminds me of the band that named themselves, "I See Hawks in LA."

If you are also smitten and your landlord doesn't mind a cute, smart, clean small pet, the nice folk at Ham and Eggs Ranch in Norco can possibly help you out with one of Bubba's brothers or sisters.

* Micro pot bellied pigs are less than 35 lbs at full, adult growth.