As the old saying goes, “a dog is a man’s best friend,” but this pet pig might disagree. Meet Chowder, the 6-year-old Vietnamese potbellied pig who has his own group of unlikely animal friends. The domesticated farm animal lives with five rescue pups—named Rika, Slick, Nya, James, and Bashe—and his human, Shelby Madere, in Southern California. (Altogether, they make up @piggypoo_and_crew.) We know dogs make great pets, but Chowder proves he’s just as lovable and loving as his furry siblings.

Pigs are known for being very sociable and intelligent, and this is especially the case for Vietnamese potbellied pigs, who love nothing more than a good cuddle. “When I look at my crew, I see the reflection of who I am in them,” says Shelby, who regularly shares photos of the adorable gang on Instagram. “Their happiness, their safety, their health, their whole lives rely on me and I will never ever let them down.” Chowder doesn’t let their differences get in the way, and often plays in the yard with his canine crew and even wears the same matching collars—tailored to his size of course.

Meet Chowder, the pet pig who lives with five rescue dogs and his human, Shelby Madere, in Southern California.

This band of unlikely animal friends have a unique bond.

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