Did You Want To Adopt A Pig, Buster In Particular? It's Free In November

MASSACHUSETTS—And this little piggy went wee, wee, wee all the way home. Maybe to your home.

When "Buster" the pig arrived at the MSPCA-Nevins Farm in Methuen in 2011 as a 75-pound piglet he stole the hearts of staff and volunteer. He loved belly scratches and chin rubs after a good Samaritan bought this three-month old piglet to save him from certain slaughter.

Six years later, Buster is still hunkering down at Nevins Farm. Now tipping the scales at 900 pounds, Buster has become an unofficial mascot for the organization's barn program, having charmed thousands of well-wishers and school groups over the years.

But Buster still longs for a permanent home. The MSPCA-Nevins Farm hopes to find that by waiving the $150 adoption fee for him and all 14 pigs residing on the farm for the entire month to focus attention on the plight of homeless pigs. The staff hope that by doing so Buster-and all other pigs on the farm-will find a permanent home.

As the MSPCA explains, pigs are smart, inquisitive and friendly animals and that is why so many people wish to keep them as pets. They can even be trained to sit, stay and come when called.

"Pigs have become popular for all the wrong reasons," said Roger Lauze of the MSPCA-Nevins Farm barn program, in a statement. "Some unscrupulous breeders have marketed pigs as 'minis' or 'teacup' animals who will stay tiny and happily live indoors and this has caused the population of pet pigs to explode. Some pigs will stay relatively small their entire lives but just as many-even those marketed as 'minis'-grow so large that they can overwhelm an owner who initially thought they were buying a pet whose needs would be similar to a dog."

Some pigs can live part of the time inside, but cannot solely live indoors. All pigs need time outside to play and explore in the dirt.

"The ideal home for any of our pigs is one with a large enclosed pen," said Lauze in a statement.

All adopters with experience keeping pigs, or those with the right kind of home that also includes a sizeable, fenced yard and outdoor shelter, are encouraged to meet the adoptable pigs at the Oct. 29 "Tea with Pigs," a special open house from 1-4 p.m., during which visitors can learn more about the pigs available for adoption and have their questions answered by staff.

Photos via MSPCA. All pictured pigs are available for adoption.