For far too long, a small detail has kept the potbellied pigs at Best Friends from living up to their full potential. Call them victims of circumstance if you will. But no longer. They’re going to start a bowling league!

The pigs are done fretting over the teensy detail that the closest bowling alley is an hour away. Bowling alleys are for amateurs, they say. These guys want to improvise! "Hey Grunty, bet I can knock over all three of those food bowls in one toss." And so they hone their skills.

In reality, the pigs at Best Friends are just barely starting to figure out these newfangled toys that a couple of volunteers brought by to donate. Linda Stevens of Phoenix, Arizona, and Phyllis Swaltney of Kanab, Utah, both regular volunteers at the sanctuary, wanted to give the pigs a little something different to play with. Linda has family in England who give bowling balls to their potbellied pigs. And those pigs love pushing the balls all over the place.

Hmm … pigs on this side of the ocean should have similar interests, right? That’s what the volunteers figured, so they brought two bowling balls to the sanctuary for good times. And okay, maybe the bowling league is still a little ways away. Not every one of the pigs is ready to pick out team T-shirts. Metro, for example, is well known for his macho ways. He’s not afraid of anything or anybody. At least, not until he laid eyes on the new goods. He was terrified of the bowling balls! (He’ll get there eventually.)

Jack, however, is already plotting to become team captain. He’s been pushing and rolling the balls around, practicing his technique. Pigs are active, strong animals who need something to keep their minds and bodies occupied. A portable wrecking ball could be just the trick.

If anybody ever does decide to build a bowling alley nearby, here’s hoping they have the good sense to buy lots of almonds. That and perhaps include a well-stocked salad bar!

Story by David Dickson
Photo by Molly Wald

Learn more about pigs and what it takes to look after them in our online resource library!



November 16, 2008 : 4:57 PM ET
posted by: marys@bestfriends.org
I love Stellaroot's idea about shoving a few treats in the holes now and then! Bet that would help with Metro's fear. What wonderful volunteers to think of bringing these to the piggies! So, all you member bowlers with trophies all about, how about donating your old bowling balls? Guess they could be a bit expensive to mail, eh? Just bring them when you come to visit next. Piggie photos and stories are the best! Perhaps it is time for "Best Friends Bowling Leagues" throughout the Nation. And yes, absolutely, shirts that say "Bowling for Potbellies", uh, er, or some even better caption.

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November 13, 2008 : 8:45 PM ET
posted by: roberthb
Dont worry Metro-dude - bowling balls wont bite (can be usefule in harrassing caregivers! ;))

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November 13, 2008 : 8:27 PM ET
posted by: mstefa01
So when do the Piggy Paradise Bowling Shirts go on sale at the Gift Shop????

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November 13, 2008 : 5:56 PM ET
posted by: honeybear
Bravo! Volunteers rock! Who'd a thunk that pigs and bowling balls would mix so well? Great idea, Linda and Phyllis. Did you provide little bowling shoes too?

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November 12, 2008 : 11:18 PM ET
posted by: stellaroot
I wonder if you could make the bowling ball into a toy similar to the dog toys that drop food out when rolled around? That would encourage the piggies to play - my dog loves his food ball!

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