By Kayla Williams

Special to The Prentiss Headlight

Potbelly pigs: your average farm animal or the next popular house pet?

The Bryant family, residents of Prentiss, had a plan to expand their home to the average farm life. Little by little with hopes of moving to the country, the Bryants started collecting farm animals. They were already the owners of five Dachshund dogs when they purchased chickens. The next addition to the family came when a trip to Wal-Mart by husband Timothy Bryant brought home Ms. Clementine, a Vietnamese potbelly pig.

Clementine is barely three months old and runs with the rest of the household pets.

“I thought it would be different owning her,” says wife, Shari Bryant, “but she just fits in like another dog.”

Clementine is potty-trained, and goes outside to do her business with the other dogs. When it comes to chow time, she is right in the middle making sure she gets her share of scraps and dog food. However, she has favorites.

“Grapes and peanuts are her two favorite along with Muscadines,” says daughter, Sarah Bryant.

Her demeanor is very smart and independent. Shari says, “She isn’t as loving as I’d hoped. Clementine will stay close to you though by sitting by your chair.”

The little pig is very simple in upkeep. In the summer she will just need to be kept cool. Pigs usually need mud baths to avoid sunburn.

Expecting to be 65 lbs. or more doesn’t change a thing. The Bryant family is enjoying every minute with Clementine and truly believes she is just another member of the family.