It’s not a dog’s life for a pig in Saigon

A year ago, her husband gave Tran Tu Linh a gift, a small pig weighing two kilos, worth VND200,000 ($8.6). 

"I saw many people who raised pigs as pets, so I wanted to try as well," said Linh.

To say Pond's grew up fast would be an understatement. The "loving, intelligent" pig weighs over 100 kilograms today.

Pond's does not smell like the proverbial pigsty, because he showers three times a day, in the morning, at noon and in the afternoon.

"He is happy every time he gets to shower. The stronger the water jet, the better. He even gets to wear perfume afterwards," said Linh.

Pond's enjoys being showered by Linh.

Ponds is carefully groomed by Linh, every day.

Out on the street, Pond's never fails to turn heads.

Pond's sleeps on the floor with Linh on a couch nearby.

Linh said Pond's would only sleep if Linh lies down close to him. "He would squeal incessantly, otherwise," she said.

Pond's eats rice daily and his favorite food is sour broth and durian. Linh is trying to cut down on the fat, however.

Pond's is also loved by his neighbors. "Few are willing to raise a pig inside their homes because they fear it would dirty the place. But Pond's is clean and adorable. If my house has any good food, we always leave some for him," said Lan, one of Linh's neighbors.