By Karen Evans

Last updated at 14:46, Thursday, 11 October 2012

It's a dog's life for this piglet – or so she thinks.

Nick Lawler with dog Alfie and Piglet

The Saddleback pig has become the talk of her village – Lorton, near Cockermouth – after she became besotted with a terrier and started following him around a field.

Piglet, a three-month-old sow, sparked up an unusual friendship with two-year-old terrier Alfie after escaping from the pig pen she shared with her 10 other siblings.

Nick Lawler, of Smithy Cottage, Low Lorton who owns Winder Hall, said he noticed the pig’s unusual behaviour about a month ago.

She now likes to roam and play freely in a neighbouring field with Alfie when Mr Lawler goes to feed his pigs.

Mr Lawler, who started breeding pigs eight years ago, said: “Having tunnelled under the barbed-wire to make his escape, Piglet has formed an alliance with Alfie the terrier and seems reluctant to re-join his brothers and sisters in the pig paddock.

“Piglet and Alfie do a lot of sniffing and chasing.

“I have never seen that sort of relationship between a pig and a dog before.

“Normally the pig is really guarded but both seem at ease in each others’ company.

“He now eats from the dog bowl in the kennels, plays tag with Alfie and enjoys a good tummy-rub from me.

“A lot of our guests at Winder Hall and our friends think it’s amazing.”

Piglet was the runt of a litter of 11 piglets born to dad Sheldon and mum Lizzy back in June.

First published at 14:43, Thursday, 11 October 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk