What to get for a 10th anniversary gift for the wife who has everything? Well, sure … I picked up a nice watch and some diamond bling… but was looking for something a little unique. How about a pig! It’s certainly original…
Henri sunbathing
Many things go through your head when you buy your wife a new pet pig as a surprise anniversary gift. The first, after the money has changed hands and the pig is now yours, is, “My god, what have I done??” The next thought is, “Well, if things don’t work out, we can always eat it” — a thought which immediately inspires guilt. But these feelings are allayed somewhat by how darn cute the thing is. (Before you all start chiming in on the comments board about, “Sure, until it hits 500 lbs,” ours is of a mini-pig breed projected to top out around 25 or 30 lbs. (= $$$)
In addition to being our new household pet and my wife’s gift, Henri Toulouse Cochon the pig — the kids call him “Henry” — is also our new mascot for Skinny Girls & Mayonnaise. It seemed appropriate for a blog that is known to celebrate the virtues of pork. A few facts about Henri:
• He is a nano-micro mini “teacup” pig, and as I said is not expected to grow to more than 25 or 30 lbs (barely larger than the standard grocery store pork shoulder picnic roast)
• He hails from Central Florida, and made his way to California via Continental Airlines (yes, I spent a small fortune on this pig)
• He is already litter-box trained, and we hope to train him to go potty outside like a dog (our plan is for him to be a primarily indoor pet, like a dog)
• Speaking of dogs, Lola — our bird dog retriever — already humiliated into submission by a flock of bossy hens, has taken to the pig, perhaps sensing a more intelligent ally (well, hopefully sensing that and not a meal)
Speaking of meals, the question on everyone’s mind… “But won’t you be tempted to eat him?” you reasonably ask. We’ve had chickens for several years, and none of them have gone by way of the broiler. While I don’t have it in me to slaughter an animal, I like my kids to get to know these creatures and realize that the chicken tenders or bacon they like to eat don’t originate from a styrofoam container at the grocery store.
I had considered including a pork recipe with this post. But decided that would be in poor taste. Here’s a video of Henri instead:
skinny girls & mayonnaise 
Aug 23, 2011 @ 00:36:27
has to be the cutest, sweetest gift ever!
Aug 23, 2011 @ 00:39:15
You may ask yourself, is this my beautiful pig?
You may ask yourself, am I right or am I wrong?
😀
Aug 23, 2011 @ 01:00:46
Awww! such a cute little guy. I hope you don’t plan to eat him!!
Aug 23, 2011 @ 01:29:34
We’ll see how he behaves. :-0
Aug 23, 2011 @ 01:31:37
Unlike the characters of your previous blog “Blank Stares”, it doesn’t look like Henri has a “blank stare” when it comes to food! Can’t wait for the baby goats…
Aug 23, 2011 @ 01:43:39
Is he chomping on his noodles? 😉
Aug 23, 2011 @ 03:44:51
First: you don’t have a wife ‘who has everything’, you have a wife who needs little beyond love.
Second: Siob tells a funny story about a woman who bought two of these guys at a farmer’s market in Willits and then sold them to some ‘weirdos in a penthouse in San Francisco’. She was in stitches at the amount of money she made. Maybe you should have shopped around.
Aug 23, 2011 @ 14:10:32
I could have brought you one in person from of all places Central Florida where I live and these lil’ bitty pigs come from. They call them “teacup” pigs for the folks outside of Central Florida but they are really known as “sandwich” pigs in these parts.
Aug 24, 2011 @ 16:52:13
I could’ve flown YOU out with the pig in your carry on and it would’ve cost the same! That would’ve been a twofer!
Aug 25, 2011 @ 04:14:43
I would’ve done it without thinking twice. Henry & I would have been “linked” like brothers.
Aug 25, 2011 @ 13:44:26
Paul and piggy, porfect pals. That’s something I would’ve liked to have seen in the “wurst” way.
Aug 23, 2011 @ 14:21:24
I love that pig. I wish he were mine. When Siobhan heard that that is what you got Les for your 10 year anniversary she said, “Diamonds are SO 2010!! Pigs are the new black.” She is SO funny!!
Aug 24, 2011 @ 16:20:45
You should get yourself a javelina!
Aug 25, 2011 @ 03:54:35
Oh, my. I wonder if Jack would like to play with him?
Aug 25, 2011 @ 13:22:20
I’m sure Jack would like to do something with him. :-\
Sep 02, 2011 @ 07:14:47
I love your pasta-eating pig! (Is Gracie rolling in her grave??)
Sep 14, 2011 @ 04:08:48
Suzanna told me about this gift – – – Glad to actually see it. How Cute !!! Pigs are very smart and actually make good pets. You may have a slight “learning” curve, but bet you will all get along !
Sep 14, 2011 @ 19:53:08
Thanks Rhonda, we’re all getting along splendidly — even pig and dog! Cheers, //s
Dec 31, 2013 @ 20:55:13
awwww look at that tail wag!!
Dec 31, 2013 @ 21:51:30
He was a lot cuter 150 lbs ago. LOL he’s still a good boy though.