After 30 years of teaching, Ms. Patty Wilson (Ms. Patty) wanted an extra special classroom pet for her special education students. “In the past my classrooms have had fish, rabbits, and a
cat,” said Ms. Patty. “I searched for a mini-pig and discovered that most people selling them didn't have background breed information, or a clear direction on how to care for the animal, or they appeared to be getting rid of an unwanted animal.”
Ms. Patty was waiting
for the perfect pig! Not just any pig would do! Then she saw an ad from “Sharp's Little Pig Town”.
“Their pigs were neutered, box trained, and socialized,” said Ms. Patty. “They cared about their animals and were available for additional support and questions. I had
cats, dogs and horses growing up and currently live on a farm where we raise Black Angus Cattle, but I was unfamiliar with little pigs, so support while raising one, was welcome.”
Ms. Patty double checked with Bohemia Elementary School’s administrators about having a
classroom pig before adopting Hampton. The breeders felt that Hampton would be a good match for the P.C.H. (Patty’s Classroom Helper) job of de-escalating frustrated students, or calming students struggling with behavioral expectations. Hampton’s job description also was to be the honored recipient (incentive) for students to earn prized "pig time".
During the school year, Hampton accompanies Ms. Patty to her classroom, where he has a home-away-from-home area. His "playpen" has a bed, food and water, toys and a litter box filled with paper pellets from the farm store. And yes, he does use his litter box, just like a cat or rabbit!
“Hampton was not named when I adopted him,” said Ms. Patty, “and on my drive to work, I heard the name ‘Hampton’ on the radio, which fits him purr-fectly.”
Hampton is mellow in the mornings and rides to school in a pet carrier grunting softly or sleeping. On their way home, he rides quietly for the first ten minutes, and then loudly squeals the remainder of the way. He knows it is dinnertime and he loves eating! He is definitely a ‘pig of routine’ who purr-furs that you stick to ‘his’ schedule! If his food does not arrive at what he thinks is the designated time, he lets you know by loudly squealing his
demands.
“Both male and female students equally enjoy Hampton.” said Ms. Patty. “They compliment him by calling him ‘handsome’ or ‘cute’. Some children have asked, ‘Does he have gel in his hair?’ and ‘Why isn’t his tail curly?’. My third graders, Sarai, said, ‘He squeaks
cute and has a cute nose.’ Richard said,’I like how Hampton squeaks loud, and the way he eats.’ And O’Shea said, ‘I like it when he puts his nose under your arm, and the way he gets dressed up. Hampton is like the pig on Charlotte’s Web but he doesn’t talk.’
Hampton has
warmed up to our class, other teachers, and the administrators. Initially he squealed around everyone, but now is he more comfortable and gently grunts and squeaks. The children have learned, that like any pet, when you approach them slowly the animal is more receptive to being petted.
While class is in session, Hampton wanders the room. The children give him a quick ‘Hello’, scratch or pet, then immediately return to participating in class. He responds by wagging his little tail, grunting or squealing (which sounds like a dog’s squeaky toy). He is a comfort, not a distraction, and has risen to meet all his job challenges.
Hampton is intuitive with children! When some students do something "unexpected," or another teacher sends them to my class for a break, we have discovered that the child is acting out because they are sad or frustrated. When they ‘hang out’ with Hampton (to redirect frustrations or to de-escalate emotions) they relax, and calm down with his full attention. Some students are even motivated to
earn ‘pig time’ for excellent behavior.”
During Ms. Patty’s breaks, Hampton has outdoor recess “play time” where he runs and plays to stretch his short legs.
Down the hallway from Hampton’s classroom is Mrs. Stevens’ classroom. She has collected toy pigs for 25 years. Her class is referred to as the “Pig Pen”. However, Mrs. S. never thought to adopt a ‘real’ pig.
“My students agree that ‘Ms. Patty's Pig’ motivates them to come to school. They just can't wait to see Hampton! They’ve said that ‘having a pig helps them learn how to care for others (animals), and to be gentle and kind’. Which is what we aim to teach. Hampton has no worries that I might "Pig-nap" him to add to my Pig Pen collection, everyone knows that he loves his 'job' and Ms.
Patty!”
Appreciation for Tips 'n' Tales