A Unique Companion: The Story of Igby Pigby
Samantha Adamo’s life has always been intertwined with animals. From a young age, she had a deep connection with creatures of all kinds, and this passion led her to become an exercise rider in the world of horse racing. However, her most unusual companion is not a horse at all — it’s a pig named Igby Pigby.
Adamo purchased Igby for $100 six years ago, and since then, he has become a central part of her life. At first, the pig was sickly and weak, but through bottle feeding and constant cuddling, Adamo nursed him back to health. The process of raising a pig in such a way is no small task, but for Adamo, it was worth every effort. She describes Igby as a loyal companion who travels with her wherever the racing circuit takes her, currently based near Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
Housing has always been a challenge for both Adamo and Igby. While cats and dogs are common pets, a 122-pound pig presents a different kind of problem. However, Adamo has never let that stop her. With her charming personality and ability to talk her way into almost any situation, she finds creative solutions to ensure that Igby can be by her side. “I’m just not ever going to take a place where I can’t take the pig,” she said. “I’ll just figure it out.”
In addition to Igby, Adamo also cares for a playful black kitten named Simkin, whom she found in distress while wandering around Churchill Downs. The kitten now thrives under her care, and his glossy coat is a testament to her dedication.
Adamo’s love for animals started early. Growing up in Johnston, R.I., she spent time cleaning stalls in exchange for riding lessons. She quickly gained a reputation for being able to handle even the most difficult horses. Her childhood dream was always to work with horses, and that passion has carried her through her career. She left her horse, Attika, behind in Kentucky when she joined trainer Tom Amoss’ team at Saratoga Race Course, but she looks forward to reuniting with him soon.
Her bond with animals is deeply rooted in her family history. Her mother, Marianne, worked for the Southwick Zoo in Mendon, Mass., and brought home various creatures throughout their childhood. Marianne recalls bringing home a warthog, goats, and sheep, creating a mini-menagerie in their apartment. Even after retiring from the zoo, her home still has a lively atmosphere, with three dogs, three cats, two rabbits, and two button quail.
Marianne admits she didn’t know about Igby at first. “She never told me, the little devil,” she recalled. But once she learned about the pig, she became fully invested in his care. “I held him all the time like a newborn baby. He was always cold,” Adamo explained. “I would hold him for the longest time until he was really too big to be held.”
House-training Igby was a learning process for both of them. Adamo used peanut rewards to encourage good behavior, and over time, they developed a unique understanding. “He lives his life like a dog, but he’s not anything like a dog. He’s extremely sensitive,” Adamo said. “When he was younger and he heard me raise my voice, he would actually scream. He would go around the house and scream.”
Igby has his own language, with a variety of oinks that convey different emotions. “He has a whole repertoire of noises. He oinks but there are many different kinds of oinks,” Adamo said. “He has different tones and different kinds of oinks for different things. You learn the whole pig vocabulary after a while.”
Life with Igby is often on his terms. “He’s got a personality. Oh, yeah. He’s kind of ornery at times,” Marianne said. “Samantha can have a difficult time getting him back in the house if he’s not done grazing. He’ll grab a huge mouthful of grass and try to bring it in the house with him.”
Despite the challenges, Igby has become a beloved member of the family. Visits to Marianne’s house in Rhode Island are always an adventure, as he makes himself right at home among the other animals. “The last time I saw the pig, he was very friendly, very loving,” Marianne said. “The hog walked in like a trooper, as if he belonged.”
Over time, Marianne and Igby have developed a deeper understanding. One day, while showing affection, Igby abruptly left the room. When he returned, he put his mouth over Marianne’s wrist, not biting but clearly expressing his displeasure. “Samantha told me later he didn’t like his cheeks rubbed,” Marianne said. “And I think I was rubbing his big fat cheeks.”
