In this year leading up to Arizona’s centennial, Feb. 14, 2012, we’ll reprint a story or excerpts each day from the Arizona Daily Star or Tucson Citizen archives.
July 10, 1912
PRESCOTT — At the residence of Mr. and Mrs. H.F. Ahlrich, near the old brick-making plant to the west of the city about two miles distant, one of the most remarkable cases of animal affinity ever known is in evidence, in which a female shepherd dog is fulfilling the duties of a foster mother for three little pigs, with all the affection and earnestness as if they were her offspring.
This extraordinary situation has attracted the attention of many visitors to the above home, and has excited much curiosity as well, as it has created interest that is without parallel so far as it is able to learn among the dumb race.
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In speaking of the alliance that has taken place in this freakish combination of the swine and the canine, Mr. Ahlrich stated yesterday that the little pigs were brought home last Saturday by his son, Wayne, from a neighbor’s place, after they have been deserted by their mother.
The boy stated that the pigs were hungry, and his only motive was to feed them milk or any food they might be able to devour.
His spirit was kindly one, and the little fellows attracted his attention by their smallness, and were so “cunning,” as he expressed it.
The three were placed in a hastily built pen, and nothing more was thought of the matter, although they were only one day old. That night the boy went to look after the orphans, but immediately returned in great excitement.
The father then made an investigation, and was astounded to find the shepherd in the pen and nurturing its brevet babies with the same tender care and consideration as if they were legitimately her own.
To add to their surprise, after the dog had left the enclosure, the little pigs began to squeal piteously and did not desist until the dog had again entered the pen.
Mr. Ahlrich says the dog is a thoroughbred and her registered name is “Fay.” Since assuming charge of her new family she appears to have changed in disposition. After she enters the place where the pigs are enclosed, no one will be permitted to molest her. But after she jumps over the fence, she is as docile as ever.
Mr. Ahlrich extends an invitation to anyone in the city to visit his home.
— Arizona Daily Star
The Sundt Companies, O’Rielly Chevrolet, Research Corporation for Science Advancement, Sam Levitz Furniture, the University of Arizona, Freeport McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc., Rosemont Copper, Tucson Realty & Trust. Co., Jack Furrier Tire & Auto Care, Walgreens and Carondelet Health Network are sponsors of the Star’s Arizona Centennial project.
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