The overall benefits
I show pigs because I think it’s an important life experience. It shows you the responsibility of raising an animal and the challenge of doing things on your own. It prepares you for research projects at school because you must learn about the pig for your project book. Also, that applies to science and math because you write down how much things cost. It’s like an experiment or equation, so you can estimate how much you’ll spend each year. It gives you connections because you become a part of the community and you ask people for financial support. It shows you how to respectfully talk to people about business. I think it helps show you what career you want in life, in terms of manual labor or something less physical.
Why pigs?
I specifically like pigs because they remind me so much of dogs. They want to roll in the mud, run, and be pet (https://youtu.be/xeew7JmhdM4). By the way, pigs roll in the mud to cool down, because they don’t have sweat glands. You must bathe them, they let you know when they’re hungry, and they’re usually hard to walk. I feel as though I form connections with my pigs. They know the difference between people and they have a preference. In the past, it’s seemed as though they care for me. I only like to have animals that care for me as I care for them, and pigs fulfill that. They each have their own personality and like different things. Like a puppy, if you teach them something young, they’ll remember it. This could apply to other farm animals, but I think pigs are a perfect size and maintenance level.
Although I know each year they’re not coming home with me, and they’ll be brutally dragged off to the butcher, I cry every year. Like I previously stated, I form a connection with my pigs, they have no idea what’s about to happen, and I feel as if I’ve betrayed them. Pigs can get on your nerves and seem like they have no brain, but they really are just like every other pet. That’s why I show pigs.
7/27/20, Pets on a hot day 🙂