Otis the pig is looking for a new home.If you think it's hard finding an apartment that's pet-friendly, imagine how difficult it is when that pet is a 28-kilogram pig.
That's what Alex, a 21-year-old university student, is facing according to a story in the Toronto Star.
"He kind of passes for a Boston terrier," she told the Star. "At least that's the hope."
Alex, who requested that her full name and location not be disclosed, currently lives with her mom and sister in Toronto. She'd like to find a place closer to school, but has been shut out for months. After "dozens" of appointments, she's had to resort to Craigslist to find a home for her and her pet pig, Otis.
The meat of the matter ... if you pardon the pun ... is that swine are illegal within Toronto city limits. According to the Star, the owner of a pig faces a $240 fine under Toronto's Municipal Code, and the possibility of further court action with fines up to $5,000.
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No wonder potential landlords are being pigheaded about renting.
Another issue is that Otis is much bigger than expected. According to the Star, Otis is a micro mini pig, which is expected to grow only to 11 kilograms. Instead, the 15-month-old porker is already up to 28 kilos.
Anyone interested in renting to Alex and her cob roller should know that Otis is clean, smart, litter-trained and just needs a little back yard space to muck around in.
And despite her frustration, Alex isn't ready to go it alone.
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"I'm not going to give him up," she tells the Star. "I love him. He's got a real personality ... he's very spunky."
And a bit of a ham, undoubtedly.
(Photo courtesy Craigslist)