Pet’s Place: Hank the Pig Takes It Easy in New Orleans
You’ll find this mini pig curled up on the couch, exploring the backyard and taking a dip in the tub
Brenna Malmberg
June 12, 2017
Meet Hank, a curious, playful and snuggly little pig who calls New Orleans home. If you’ve ever seen a pig out exploring the French Quarter, it just might have been Hank.
Photos from Will and Ashley Glass
Pet at a Glance
Pet: Hank, an American miniature potbelly pig
Age: 7 months
Location: New Orleans
Owners: Will Glass, a writer, and Ashley Glass, a wedding coordinator
Welcome to the Big Easy: Hank moved from Florida to New Orleans at 8 weeks old. Will and Ashley Glass had adopted him from Oink, Oink, Mini Pigs, a registered breeder through the American Mini Pig Association. “We had just come back from our honeymoon when we got him,” Ashley says. “We got home, baby-proofed the house and got his area ready. He’s the little punctuation mark on our marriage and our home.”
Travel Guide: New Orleans for Design Lovers
Pet at a Glance
Pet: Hank, an American miniature potbelly pig
Age: 7 months
Location: New Orleans
Owners: Will Glass, a writer, and Ashley Glass, a wedding coordinator
Welcome to the Big Easy: Hank moved from Florida to New Orleans at 8 weeks old. Will and Ashley Glass had adopted him from Oink, Oink, Mini Pigs, a registered breeder through the American Mini Pig Association. “We had just come back from our honeymoon when we got him,” Ashley says. “We got home, baby-proofed the house and got his area ready. He’s the little punctuation mark on our marriage and our home.”
Travel Guide: New Orleans for Design Lovers
House fit for a pig: Ashley compares readying the house to baby-proofing their home. Outlets had to be covered, and because pigs are smart and learn to open doors and drawers, the couple added latches to the fridge and cabinets.
Hank’s little hooves slip on the tile floors in the house, so when he wants to play and run around, Will and Ashley move him into a room with carpet.
Pig pen: When the Glasses are at work, Hank has a 6-by-3-foot pen in the kitchen with a bed, blankets, water, potty area and toys. “He knows that’s his little personal area if he wants some time to himself,” Ashley says. “Eventually he’ll be allowed to roam the house when we’re away, but it keeps him safe while he’s little.”
Hank’s little hooves slip on the tile floors in the house, so when he wants to play and run around, Will and Ashley move him into a room with carpet.
Pig pen: When the Glasses are at work, Hank has a 6-by-3-foot pen in the kitchen with a bed, blankets, water, potty area and toys. “He knows that’s his little personal area if he wants some time to himself,” Ashley says. “Eventually he’ll be allowed to roam the house when we’re away, but it keeps him safe while he’s little.”
Couch potato: Hank heads straight to the couch when he can roam, Will says. His favorite spot is right between the couch cushions. “He sits there all day on Saturdays,” Will says.
Hank also snuggles with Will and Ashley on the couch, especially on movie nights. They all sit together under the blankets. “We had to stock up on blankets,” Will says. “He loves to dig around in them and bury himself.”
Hank also snuggles with Will and Ashley on the couch, especially on movie nights. They all sit together under the blankets. “We had to stock up on blankets,” Will says. “He loves to dig around in them and bury himself.”
Outdoor adventures: Hank grazes on grass in the backyard. He also sprints around until he wears himself out. Then he just plops down and lies in the sun. “If he walks into the backyard and finds a warm, sunny spot, he just falls on his side and stays there until we move him,” Will says.
Will and Ashley also take Hank to the local park and out to eat with them at pet-friendly restaurants in the French Quarter or Uptown New Orleans.
Will and Ashley also take Hank to the local park and out to eat with them at pet-friendly restaurants in the French Quarter or Uptown New Orleans.
Sometimes the outdoor adventures get Hank a little dirty, which means he needs a bath.
Bath time: Pigs are naturally very clean, Ashley says, but Hank does get a scrubbing when needed. To make this time more fun, Will and Ashley toss a few Cheerios in the tub water for Hank to chase around and eat before they wash him with baby shampoo.
Hank also has a few rubber ducky friends, which are a favorite here at Houzz. In this photo, the ducks were joining him to promote a Rubber Duck Derby that raised money for a local food bank. Hank, along with his teammates and supporters, raised enough money to provide 12,000 meals to hungry children and families in Louisiana.
Hank also has a few rubber ducky friends, which are a favorite here at Houzz. In this photo, the ducks were joining him to promote a Rubber Duck Derby that raised money for a local food bank. Hank, along with his teammates and supporters, raised enough money to provide 12,000 meals to hungry children and families in Louisiana.
Bright spot in the day: “It’s just that much more exciting to come home from work,” Will says. “He makes sure I laugh with my wife every single day.” And how can you not smile a little at a pig who’s willing to wear rubber ducky shades? Follow Hank on Instagram to see what he’s up to today.
Your turn: Do you have great photos of your pet around the house or do you have a feature in your home that’s for your pet? Share a photo or two with us in the Comments.
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Your turn: Do you have great photos of your pet around the house or do you have a feature in your home that’s for your pet? Share a photo or two with us in the Comments.
More
Read more stories about pets at home
Shop pet products on Houzz
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I don’t know whether the word “adopted” came from the Houzz writer or from the pig owners, but it SO offensive when people say they “adopted” an animal from a breeder! It’s more than a misspeak: it’s purposely denying the fact that they purchased their pet. You “adopt” an animal from a shelter or a rescue group. You PURCHASE an animal from a “registered breeder.” Language matters. So does honesty. (And no, buster57, buying from a breeder is just that. A transaction. Sometimes animals who are not “perfect” are sold for a discount, bu they are still sold.)
As cute as this little guy us, keep in mind that he is still a piglet. A baby. Few pet pig owners keep their animals once they become adult, not-so-adorable pigs. It’s a trend that needs to be discouraged, not celebrated. Adult pigs are dumped on rescue (or sold on to be eaten) constantly.
Also keep in mind that many “miniature potbelly pigs” — some of them sold as “teacup” pigs — are more often than not smaller piglets that are purposely malnourished to stunt their growth. It’s a horrific practice.
Rebel (old English bulldogge) and her sister Riot (adopted mutt) from Cerritos, California, both have huge crush on Hank! Thank you for sharing!!