Learning life lessons from a well-loved pig

One can never underestimate the bond between humans and the animals they love. From the moment author Sy Montgomery first encountered Christopher Hogwood she immediately made a connection, and he became an instant part of the family.

Montgomery's relationship with Christopher not only served as an inspiration for her writing, but also continues to help her connect with others, even after his passing.

“Chris, when he was alive, literally brought me friends,” she said. “He continues to do that through this book.”

Christopher found some new friends in Caldwell County thanks to the Literacy Taskforce's selection of “The Good, Good Pig,” for the inaugural Caldwell Reads program.

Fellow animal lovers and reading fans came out to Hibriten High School Thursday evening for the opportunity to meet Montgomery and discuss the book people of all ages in the county already have started reading or completed.

During her visit Montgomery took time to sign books and share personal stories with those who attended. Some traveled great distances to meet Montgomery, and everyone had the opportunity to have their books autographed.

Marj Moore, who lives in the Chapel Hill area, has read the book three times and has been corresponding with the author through letters. She read the book to her 7-year-old pet pig, Wilbur, during his 10-month sickness.

“The book became a source of comfort,” Moore said. “I read it to my pig when he was too sick to even walk.”

Moore anxiously waited to meet Montgomery in person for the first time.

“We have so much in common, and I'm excited to meet her face-to-face,” Moore said. “Sy has been so receptive and warm. She's answered my letters quickly even though she is very busy.”

Montgomery said she was thrilled with the reception she received upon arrival to Caldwell County.

“This has been the most warm and astonishing welcome,” she said. “It makes me feel great. This is unprecedented, and I'm so happy. I feel like I'm basking in the company of so many kindred spirits.”

Several people brought pictures of their pet pigs including Teresa Oakley and her daughter Samantha Herdon, a third grader at Davenport A+.

“We read the book together,” Oakley said. “I love it. I have a pot-belly pig (Bella), and I couldn't put the book down. My husband (also) loved it. It is true that there is no love like the love of a pig.”

Montgomery, who is known for writing unique stories in exotic places, said this book was very different from her others. The message Montgomery hopes her book conveys is one of creating and maintaining loving relationships, between humans and non-humans alike.

“A great soul can appear to us at any time and in any form, even with a flexible nose and curly tail,” she said. “This is a book about family.”

Montgomery said if people are to truly find love, it is vital for them to create bonds beyond that of their own species.

“The world is whole, and we are part of it only when we are embedded in that matrix of life,” she said.

Although the book has been a phenomenal success, Montgomery said it was the most difficult project she has ever embarked upon.

“Writing this book was murderously hard - the hardest thing I've ever written,” she said. “I couldn't escape Chris' death by throwing myself into my work. It was a constant reminder of something I lost - and lost forever. It really hurt me to write it, but I'm so grateful this book is out in the world.”

Montgomery reflected on the time she first encountered Chris and the transition to his becoming the most popular pig in town.

When she was away nursing her sick father, Montgomery's husband told her about the sick pig, who was as she called the “runt among runts.”

“The one thing he knew would heal my heart would be a sickly pig,” she said. “He knew I couldn't love my father back to life, but I could love (Chris) back to life. He was too little to live, but too brave to die.”

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