In 1939, the Sears, Roebuck foundation for American Youth furnished a female piglet to one deserving boy, which he was to raise as his own, and from her first litter, he was to give one female piglet to some other deserving young man. This was called a "Pig Chain". It was a great idea, especially since I was chosen to start the chain. I was to purchase the pig, and Sears would pay for it. I could buy any pig I wished, so I bought the best blood line I could find.

Her name was "Lady". She was a Berkshire, and appeared as though she had ran nose first into a wall. She grew at a fantastic rate, and became MY pig. She would attack anyone that got in her way, except me. I petted and washed her every day. She would follow me around like a puppy dog, and seemed to try to do whatever I wished.

Germany was preparing for war, and news pictures of their goose-stepping troops were everywhere. I taught Lady to goose-step on command. All I had to do is say, "Lady. Walk like Hitler." This brought many laughs, since most people considered Hitler a sort of swine anyway.

Lady learned many things, and knew more tricks than any trained dog. She won Grand Champion in every show she was in. We always put on free shows for the public. She would plow the field, plant the corn, tear up Hitler (a paper bag), and many more tricks and stunts.

Lady's greatest trick came about by near tragedy. It seems that her tail was almost severed, and there after hung straight down. Anyone knows that a pig's tail curls. I knew that this would count against her at the shows, and considered having the tail "Made solid".

Then one day, while giving her a bath I noticed that she could move her tail. I rolled the tail with my finger, and let it go. It fell straight again. I gave her a little slap on the back side. Her head came up, and she seemed to know that I was trying to teach her something. I again curled her tail. It dropped , and again I slapped her. The third time I curled it, she held it there. I praised her and gave her a "doggy bon-bon" which she loved.

In less than an hour she had learned to curl her tail when she "Stood at attention".

The one mistake I made was that I had taught her to curl it the wrong direction. It was some time later that I found out that that type of pig always curls their tail in a certain direction. Very few people knew this, and no one seemed to care, especially the show judges.

Old Lady lived many years and brought many piglets into the world. She never became friendly with anyone except me. She learned to tolerate Dad, but anyone else who came within her reach was in extreme peril.