Pigs: The Unexpected Roommates Who Keep You on Your Toes
Meet Jenny Tsai and Her Porcine Crew
At her ninth‑floor apartment in Taichung, Taiwan, Jenny Tsai doesn’t just share space with one human companion – she’s got a herd of four snout‑worthy housemates. These aren’t your average farmyard swine; they’re the affectionate, mastermind pigs of a website designer who’s learnt to trade her living space for a human‑friendly pig‑party.
Smart Pigs (and their fridge heists)
“Pigs are very affectionate,” Tsai says, laughing over the memory of a sickly day when her swine squad stayed by her side. “But you can’t pretend to be ill – they’re onto you and feel the need to stir up chaos.” She admits her four pigs, now about 65 kg each, have already mastered a key trick: opening the fridge. To protect the precious beetroot and leftover noodles, she’s tied a rope around the door handle – a simple but effective deterrent.
Cultural Piggy Favor
- In China, pigs symbolize luck, prosperity, and culinary delight.
- One of Taiwan’s golden marvels, the “meat‑shaped stone,” is a jasper carving that looks eerily like pork belly – a daily draw at the nation’s museum.
- But unlike many cultural icons, Tsai’s pigs have never made it to a plate – thanks to her love, the neighboring commune, and a farmer’s kindness.
The Origin Story
It all began 12 years ago when a neighbour’s piglet, Little Du, brought a little venture into Tsai’s life. Double‑checked by her father and brother, she purchased a pig, and Sixteen weeks later, the first piglet was born. The tiny creature grew into a robust 65‑kilo hog and has been a partner in crime ever since.
The End of the Day
With Netflix, peanut butter, and a rubber ring securing the fridge, the night ends with her finishing her call stack at the laptop station. The pigs? They’re still planning their next great heist or sawing through a secret snack stash. Either way, they’re standing by her side, proving that the best roommates might just be the ones that wear a snout.
Meet Jenny & Her Four Pink‑Pork Friends
Picture this: January 27, 2019. In a leafy park in Taichung, Jenny Tsai strolls beside six adorable pigs (she currently lives with four). She’s a dedicated pig‑mom who’s rescued a bunch of these little oinks from the brink of despair.
From Stranded to Star‑Studded
Over the years, Jenny has taken in six more pigs that were abandoned or reluctantly given away. Three of those hungry hogs didn’t make it—life’s harsh realities, even for pigs. The remaining four are living the high‑life in her cozy apartment.
“The Pig Palace”
In the largest room of her apartment, pigs lounge while Jenny and her flatmate squeeze into two tiny bedrooms next to it. Every pig has:
- A personalized blanket
- Stylish outfits (yes, clothes for pigs!)
- Its own bowl
- A leash for walks in the park or around the block
Her apartment looks like a pig‑party zone: pig figurines, custom cushions, pig‑themed paintings, and even a kitchen with pots that could double as pig‑friendly toys.
“It’s Not All Fancy”
Keeping a pig is no walk in the park—literally.
- She once nursed a 5‑day‑old piglet, feeding it every four hours with a bottle. Imagine that!
- She helped a disabled pig rescued from a garbage dump, moving it back and forth in a cart.
“Pigs can wreak havoc,” Jenny confides. “They bite, eat a lot, and there’s no pet hotel that takes pigs. So if you go on a trip, you’ll have to juggle a lot or consider leaving them behind.”
Why It All Matters
Despite the chaos, Jenny says these four living companions have filled her life with joy and a bit of comedic chaos. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to have pigs as roommates, look no further than Jenny’s uniquely hu‑pig‑codated lifestyle.
Meet Jenny Tsai: The Pig‑Mama of Taichung
On a chilly January 27th, 2019, a snapshot captured a delightful scene: Jenny Tsai in her Taipei‑era loft in Taichung, Taiwan, offering a biscuit buffet to her rowdy pig family. Picture a tiny kitchen table, a pile of squealing piglets, and a woman who absolutely loves her four-legged kitchen staff.
Why the “Year of the Pig” Has Her Mind Racing
Come the Lunar New Year’s “Year of the Pig”, Jenny is on high alert. She’s already seen a surge of newcomers to her community Facebook pages—about 2,000 pig‑enthusiasts who are eager to learn or donate their swine pals.
“If you’re thinking about adding a pig to your household, do the homework,” Jenny says. “Talk to people who already herd pigs, and figure out if you’ve got the time, space, and devotion.” Her words come from a place of love and concern: she often rescues these stubborn creatures from the brink of abandonment.
The Real Reason Pigs get Abandoned
Kid goats? Cat owners? No. People prefer the less intimidating grown pig. Yet even some grown pig owners might have a secret agenda—like using the pig as a fresh dish.
Jenny’s path is simple: she adopts the pig when it’s desperate, not when it’s desirable. She’s the friend who will rescue a pig you’re about to toss in the trash and give them a second chance.
What Jenny Wants You to Know
- Eating a pig is not a weekend hobby—it’s a full‑time commitment.
- Owner experience is critical; new vampires may bite your home.
- Remember, the love you give your pig could give you a lifetime of tail‑wagging gratitude.
With a heart as big as their porky ears, Jenny Tsai and her community are determined to keep the spirit of the Year of the Pig alive… without spiking the number of stray swine on the streets.
