Peter Porker loves to play. Whenever anyone enters his area, he is quick to greet them, always ready for some pets.
The young male pig was taken to the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA Adoption Center in Burlingame as a rescue on July 1. He is now ready for his forever home.
“It’s pretty unusual for us to get a pig here at all,” said Communications Manager Colleen Crowley. “We have had them, but it’s not very common at all, but we take everything, regardless of age, size, species; we’re an open admission shelter.”
Peter Porker was found earlier this month in San Mateo. He was deemed healthy by those at the PHS/SPCA and gets along well with other animals, Crowley said.
“Everyone here is in love with him. He’s completely adorable. He’s very social, very friendly,” Crowley said.
He even made fast friends with one of Crowley’s colleagues’ dogs, an unlikely friendship that speaks to Porker’s loving temperament.
While they are not sure of the specific type of pig he is, Crowley said, he won’t stay fun-sized forever. Peter Porker will likely grow to be about 100 pounds and will need ample outdoor space to dig, roll and play.
Crowley also stressed the importance of having a muddy area available to him.
“They like to root in the mud; it would be important. Their skin is such that it really is important. The mud helps them kind of be rid of ticks and things,” Crowley said. “The little mud pools they help to regulate them (because) they don’t have sweat glands, they have to regulate their temperature.”
Peter Porker eats commercial pig feed as well as lettuce, apple slices and other fruits and vegetables.
Those interested in adopting Peter Porker should note that zoning laws might not allow pigs in the home and should double-check before applying. Applications and arrangements to meet Peter Porker are available on the organization’s website. For more information and inquiries, please email adoptinquire@phs-spca.org or call at 650-340-7022.
