There is no question that domestication has enabled humans to become important social stimuli for some animals, and that's why one California woman decided to get a miniature pig last year.
According to Mina Alali who now owns a pet pig named, Merlin, training the animal to be calm was a challenge at first. Now, Merlin has become so close to the extent of sharing a bed with her.
“He sleeps next to me in my bed,” Alali said.
The 25-year-old TikToker with the username @mina.alali, has gone everywhere with her pet pig.
In the video posted here on TikTok, Alali can be seen with the pig moving in the car, on walks, to dinner with friends and even on trips to Starbucks.
In the videos, Alali shows off her miniature pig's many skills and abilities.
Alali, who has racked up 1.7 million followers on TikTok, said training a pet pig is not a walk in the park.
“It’s definitely an obstacle sometimes … You have to dedicate as much time and love and affection to [the pig], as you would a toddler,” she said.
Alali's dedication has so far paid off, as the pet pig is now able to press electronic buttons that say “outside,” “eat” and “ice” to better communicate with her.
He can also perform tricks such as high-fives or "sit" and "stay" — similar to a trained dog.
Alali and Merlin were invited to be on the TV show "America’s Got Talent" but the owner declined. She said she felt the experience would be too stressful for her pet pig.
"Making videos in the comfort of my own home is OK," Alali said, noting she is not seeking to "exploit" Merlin or put him "in a stressful situation."
The pig owner also owns two rats — Millie and Miracle.
She says Merlin likes to play with both of them.
Merlin is a mini-Vietnamese potbelly pig. The animal can weigh up to 80 lbs when fully grown.
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