Woman doesn't mind living with pigs

Nancy Shepherd trains her pigs to do tricks. She teaches Little Stevie, left, and Bibica, right, inside the barn she custom built and designed for the needs of her pigs. Speedy the cat can be seen in the foreground.   ¦  Ann Hermes

Just outside of Rocheport, Nancy Shepherd has built and developed a “Piggy Palace” where she raises, trains, breeds and even adopts out potbellied pigs. Nancy has been involved with the porcine species of potbellies since the 1970s and continues to have a special connection with them. She treats her pigs just as she would treat a member of the family and defends her belief that pigs can be great pets. She says that all pigs have the capability of being wonderful pets because of their high intelligence and sociability. Nancy’s pigs are selectively bred for sweet temperament, small size and health. A pig’s lifespan can be similar to the lifespan of dogs, so they can be a long-term pet. For more information about Nancy Shepherd or adopting a pig, please go to potbellypigofmyheart.com/index.htm.