Kevin Bacon, the pig. Photo: Pamela Moomey
This Little Piggy Went to California
“Our pet pig, Kevin Bacon, is a unique pet in many ways. When we got him from a hay farm, he was skinny – only about 18 pounds – and was fed only corn. We took him home not really knowing what to do with him, but he got along well with our four dogs.
“After trying to train him, we realized that Kevin is deaf. It made his training a little more difficult, but he figured things out fast.
“As Kevin kept getting larger, his sleeping place had to grow with him. At first, my husband made him an indoor pen in our family room. Visitors were sometimes surprised to see a 600-pound animal asleep in the corner, but our family was used to it.
“Then Kevin started wanting to sleep outside. He now has a barn area filled with straw. He outgrew our Impreza pretty quickly, so if he needs to go somewhere, he rides in a horse trailer.
“During the summer, Kevin likes to eat popsicles. He is very gentle when he takes food from your hands. He loves pasta, fruit and leftovers. Before we go to bed, we bring him three cookies and cover him with a moving blanket.”
– Pam Moomey, Tehachapi, California
OT, the box turtle. Photo: David A. Fine
The Shell of the Ball
“OT, short for Old Turtle, belongs to my friend, David, but I consider him family too. He’s a box turtle. OT was already old when David got him, and now David has had him for 30 years.
“During the warmer months of the year, OT roams around freely in the kitchen and dining room. In the winter, he hibernates under the dining room table in a pile of cloth.
“When OT is hungry, he goes to the refrigerator and sits in front of it until someone feeds him worms or fruit. OT enjoys soaking in a tub of warm water a couple times a week. He also enjoys sitting under a heat lamp. He stretches his legs way out to soak up the heat.”
– Carol Mills, Towson, Maryland
Otis, the house rooster. Photo: Dawne Strickland
Will Crow for Tacos
“I got Otis, a house rooster, when he was just 4 days old. Five years later, he follows me everywhere. I like to take him with me wherever I can – to outdoor concerts, car shows or restaurants with outdoor seating.
“In August, we took our longest road trip to date in our 2016 Forester. We went to New Hampshire for a wedding and got to stay in a great Airbnb where the owners were totally fine with a winged houseguest!
“Otis is kind of famous in Rhode Island. We even did a promo for the local TV station. He has also gathered a following from his annual birthday parties at a local taco shop. He loves their pulled pork tacos (who knew?!), and he gets cheesecake as his birthday cake.
“He’s just the best. The most easygoing rooster you’ll ever meet!”
– Dawne Strickland, West Greenwich, Rhode Island
Sky and Grace, Holland lop rabbits. Photo: StayAtHomeBun
My Bunny Valentine
“Meet Sky and Grace, my two fluffy Holland lop rabbits with blue eyes. They’re both roughly 2 years old – Sky is the one with brown fur, and Grace is the one with white fur. They’re the best of friends who snuggle next to each other when napping, eating and, well, basically all the time.
“Last year, Sky was on a billboard in Times Square for a Samsung campaign. I drove him to New York City in my Subaru Impreza to see it. It was amazing.
“Sky and Grace have brought so much joy into my life. I hope they bring a smile to your face.”
– Jessica Chun, Elkridge, Maryland
Hazel, the horse, and Abby, the goat. Photo: Jake Krain
A Beautiful Friendship
“Meet Hazel, the horse, and Abby, the goat. Both animals live at Red Gate Farm, an educational nonprofit in Ashfield, Massachusetts.
“Hazel and Abby’s unique friendship began soon after Hazel arrived at Red Gate. A trained draft horse, she spent the summer with her trainer carrying large ash trees from the woods. Abby would watch with curiosity as Hazel would pass by with log after log.
“Abby had lost her sister, Annabelle, so we decided to move her in with Hazel for some companionship. To our delight, the pair quickly united and have been inseparable ever since. An overexcited eater, Abby runs in between Hazel’s legs each morning trying to steal the horse’s grain. Hazel is quite patient, unmoving while her goat companion tries to climb, jump and scramble to reach extra feed.
“Every morning, students at the farm are responsible for walking Hazel and Abby and grooming their coats. During the day, you’ll find the two pals out in the pasture together, watching over the hills. And at night, you’ll find them in the barn together, keeping warm. They’re a good reminder that friendship can happen anywhere.”
– Jake Krain, Ashfield, Massachusetts
Stan Subaru, a young stegosaurus stuffed animal. Photo: Jackie Theaker
Dino-mite!
“Stan Subaru, a young stegosaurus, is more family member than pet. Our 2018 Outback inspired him to want to visit all the national parks, at least all that can be driven to. American Samoa may take other means.
“In this photo in the Badlands, he has just received his National Park Junior Ranger badge earned at Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota.
“Stan is 10 years old in human years and has visited about 20 parks in the Outback. Wherever he goes, folks make a point of saying how they like him. Everyone is a little happier when they meet Stan.”
– Carl and Jackie Theaker, Round Rock, Texas
