Anybody who knows me knows I continue to find pigs or a connection to the pig industry everywhere. On a recent trip to Southern California a stop in Sea Wold in San Diego I reconnected with Raphael.

Some of you might remember Raphael from a about seven years ago. I met him at the same Pets Rule show. He is now nine years old and still loves to preform for the crowd.

As head trainer, Nicole Sill, from JoelSlaven Professional Animals Inc. mentioned, not only is JSPA, Inc., the largest producer of domestic animal shows in the world, but we are also the proud rescuers of hundreds of cats and dogs, dozens of pot-bellied pigs, and numerous ducks, pigeons, rats, skunks, and exotic birds from shelters across the country. All of the animals you see in the performance are rescue, this gives them a second chance at life. “They are all well feed, well cared for and most of all very loved,” said Sill.

Donatella, Raphaels’ brother, was having a hard time getting his mark, commented Sill, “but with positive reenforcement and getting him to repeat till correct, the show continued.”

Pets Rule asks you. Have you ever wondered what the world looks like through your pets’ eyes? At Pets Rule at SeaWorld San Diego, a high-energy cast of dogs, cats, birds and even a pig invite you into their Playhouse for some fun, some Backyard Olympics, and even some romance!

Raphael was adopted along with his sister and two brothers from Palm Springs back in 2007.

The show is very entertaining a must see if ever in the area. Thanks to Nicole for bringing out Raphael after the show so we could chat and spend some time with him. •

— By Laurie Brandly