Illustration by Victoria Borges
Babe, Tucker and Wilbur
On Jan. 14, the Chesterfield Board of Supervisors will determine whether Tucker, a 150-pound KuneKune pig, can continue to live in Brandermill. According to the county’s zoning rules, pigs are considered livestock, and as such, they are not allowed in residential areas, but Tucker’s owners are seeking a conditional-use permit that would allow him to stay. The kerfuffle reminds us of the hardships faced by a couple of famous pigs, as detailed below — here’s hoping Tucker’s story has an equally happy ending.
BABE
Breed: Yorkshire
Owner: Arthur Hoggett
Supporters: Fly the sheepdog, Farmer Hoggett, Maa the sheep
Detractors: Duchess the cat, Rex the sheepdog (though he comes around), the deliciousness of ham
Positive Qualities: Prize-winning herder of sheep and an unprejudiced heart
Memorable Quote: “Move along there, ya ... ya ... big buttheads!”
TUCKER
Breed: KuneKune
Owners: Mark and Kim Johnson
Supporters: 2,490 signers of a Change.org petition
Detractors: The Chesterfield County Planning Commission, one anonymous complainer (maybe they’ll come around?)
Positive Qualities: Beloved family pet and a certified emotional support animal
Memorable Quote: “I am just like any pet dog in the neighborhood.”
WILBUR
Breed: Chester White
Owner: Homer Zuckerman
Supporters: Charlotte the spider, Templeton the rat
Detractors: Farmer Zuckerman (though he comes around), the deliciousness of bacon
Positive Qualities: This radiant, terrific, humble pig is a good friend, especially to little girls and spiders.
Memorable Quote: “I could spin a web if I tried. I just never tried.”
