A SOCIABLE pet pig has been hogging all the attention in a Dorset village where he is walked by his owner like a dog.
Buddy, a pot bellied-kune cross pig, leaves onlookers scratching their heads as he passes them alongside other dogs in Burton.
The 17-month-old porker belongs to pensioner Carmen Saunders who takes her beloved pet out on a lead every day.
She has owned him since he was eight weeks old and has brought him up to be fully integrated with the other local pets.
Buddy gets on famously with the other dogs and is also a real favourite with people who stop to stroke and pat him as they pass.
Carmen, 65, originally bought Buddy in a bid to get her 12 grandchildren interested in animals.
She said she has always struggled to keep dogs and prefers Buddy due to him being "much cleaner".
Buddy, who weighs about 35lbs, lives in a £500 custom built house in the garden but is regularly allowed indoors and happily sits on the sofa.
He is also fed on a strictly veterinarian diet.
Carmen said: "He is so friendly and loves going out for walks with the local dogs.
"He is friends with one in particular and he always tries to give her kisses when they are out together.
"People walk by and stroke him as he just loves people and being sociable.
"I grew up with animals but have always struggled with dogs. Buddy is so much better because he is much cleaner for sure."
She added: "My grandchildren absolutely love him because he is so friendly.
"A lot of kids spend too much time in front of their TVs and iPads so Buddy is a great way to get them outside.
"He loves seeing people and being out everyday."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel