A hundred or so posts ago, I said I would tell the story of Mathilda’s arrival into our lives. Mathilda is the miniature pig who grew into a non-miniature pig (see November 9, 2011 post), and who now lives on a proper pig farm.
Well, Husband, Son and I brought Mathilda home in a pet container that was only just big enough (she was already larger than anticipated at a few months of age).
So, once we were home, we were, as usual, greeted vociferously by our two miniature dacshunds, Doc and Blaze, who became even more excited when I got the pet container out of the back seat of the car. Mathilda had her backside pressed against the door to this container so all the dogs could see was her funny little tail which they sniffed curiously. Naively, thinking that they would adore their new little/big friend, I opened the door and Mathilda backed out.
Now, looking back, I am sure the dogs were okay with what I believe they assumed was another dog. But when she turned around and they saw her snout, there was a rather horrified pause as the dogs stared, shocked, at this peculiar looking creature and then, whammo, their alarm turned to hatred and, chaos ensued as their whines turned into growls, then high-pitched barking.
I was holding little Mathilda in my arms, trying to calm the dogs and introduce them in a civil way, when she leapt away and sprinted across the paddock with Doc and Blaze after her.
Husband: I don’t think this is going to work.
Son: Mum, you’re an idiot.
Me: Arghhh!
We eventually whistled the dogs back and put them in the ‘naughty corner’, a big, fenced yard we use to contain them when necessary but Mathilda didn’t come back. As you can imagine, I was terribly distraught, and wandered around outside for hours, calling her. The relief when she turned up the next morning was overwhelming!
Of course, months later, when Mathilda had GROWN, the situation was reversed and Doc and Blaze were terrified of her, but all in all, I learned a very important lesson:
Dogs and pigs are not compatible!
jmgoyder 