Amy Nichol has a confession to make. She has owned a whole variety of animals over the years, but she has never been quite as impressed as she is right now. The creature that has captured her heart and blown her mind is a tiny piglet named Synergy.
The little pig is so smart, in fact, that Amy has discovered she is way smarter than her dog.
“It is incredible just what she has learned,” Amy says. “She plays the piano. She goes through tunnels.
My dogs would never retain the amount of items she has retained.” The contrast between the pig and the dog is stark, and Amy finds herself constantly amazed by the cognitive abilities of her first pig.
My name is Amy Nichol, and I share this story with GeoBeats. I have had many animals in my life, a whole variety pack of creatures, but Synergy is the very first pig I have ever owned. She came into my life unexpectedly, and she has completely redefined what I thought I knew about animal intelligence and companionship.
Synergy has a vibrant personality. It is as captivating as it is unique. She is full of energy and curiosity, but she also has a stubborn streak that rivals any toddler.
She can be feisty at times. If she is walking along and she decides, “Yep, I don’t want to walk anymore. I actually just want to stand here and soak up the sun,” that is precisely what she is going to do.
There is no negotiating with her when she has made up her mind. She will simply plant her feet and refuse to budge until she has had her fill of the warm rays.
Pigs are so incredibly smart. Experts say their intelligence is roughly equivalent to that of a four-year-old toddler. Synergy demonstrates this in remarkable ways every single day.
One of the most astonishing examples of her intelligence is her use of a communication board. She has a button that says “yes.”
When Amy holds up a treat, Synergy’s eyes light up with anticipation. “Do you want a treat?” Amy asks.
“Push the button. Push it.” Synergy lowers her snout and presses the button firmly.
“Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes,” the button voice repeats. “Right now?” Amy asks.
“Well, yes.” The back-and-forth is natural and fluid, akin to a conversation with a young child. She knows exactly what she wants and is able to communicate it effectively.
When I get up in the morning, I say, “Good morning, Synergy,” and she just comes barreling out of bed. She is always excited to start the day. She usually heads straight to the bathroom.
She is completely litter box trained. It is one of the many things that makes living with a pig so surprisingly easy. She is clean, she is smart, and she is highly trainable.
Synergy is not just a pet; she is a working animal with a purpose. She is training to be a therapy pig through the American Mini Pig Association. This training is rigorous and prepares her for the emotional demands of the work.
She has a gentle disposition that makes her perfect for the role.
One of the most important parts of her training is street outreach. Amy brings Synergy to different parts of the city to engage with individuals experiencing homelessness. The presence of a pig is disarming.
It breaks down barriers that a human alone cannot. The effect Synergy has on people is nothing short of magical.
Amy recalls one specific instance that perfectly illustrates Synergy’s power. “There was a 67-year-old woman who I have known for about five years. The moment she saw Synergy, the biggest smile came across her face.
She just started laughing and laughing. She said, ‘You got a pig!'” That moment of joy and connection opened a door that had been closed for a long time.
“Now, as long as I have Synergy next to me and she is able to pet Synergy, we have been able to order her birth certificate, get her ID, get her social security card, enroll her in Section 8 and Medicaid, and do her housing assessment. All of this was possible because of this amazing, amazing little pig.” The pig created a bridge of trust that allowed Amy to help this woman navigate a complex system.
At home, the dynamic is a bit different. “I do have a dog, Ash,” Amy explains. “He will just have nothing to do with her though.
He will just kind of be like, ‘Nope, nope.'” It is a one-sided fascination. Synergy is utterly intrigued by the dog.
She will sometimes climb onto his bed, the one place that is strictly his own, and just stare at him. She waits for a reaction. He always gives her the same one.
He sighs, gets up, and moves off the bed, leaving her to claim it as her own. She is not destructive, and I am very fortunate for that, knock on wood, but she definitely knows how to push his buttons.
The bond between Amy and Synergy is deeply emotional. Synergy often climbs onto Amy’s chest and rests her head over her heart. “She likes to hear against the heartbeat,” Amy explains.
“They can feel the heartbeat. It is a very grounding thing for her. So, she likes to be there, just listening and feeling.”
The connection between them is palpable, a silent understanding built on trust and affection.
Looking at the future, Amy knows that caring for a pig is a long-term commitment. The Juliana pig breed typically grows to be about 40 to 80 pounds and about 15 to 19 inches tall. “I am waiting for that growth spurt,” Amy says with a laugh.
“It is going to come. But it really does not matter what size she is. I definitely love her.”
The size of the pig does not matter to Amy; the size of the personality is what counts.
Having a mini pig is a significant commitment. “You are in for the long haul of 15 to 20 years that they typically live,” Amy says. “I already dread the day that she is not around.
I have had a whole variety pack of animals in my life. She is literally the sweetest animal and the most intelligent animal I think I have ever had.”
As the day winds down, the routine continues. “Do you want a special treat right now?” Amy asks.
Synergy’s ears perk up. The bond deepens with every interaction, every shared moment of understanding. In Synergy, Amy has found a companion who challenges her, surprises her, and loves her unconditionally, all wrapped up in a tiny, intelligent, and utterly captivating package.
