Caroline Golon, the human behind the popular humor blog Romeo the Cat, shares the stories of pet owners who go the extra mile for their pets in this series, The Things We Do for Love.

Read more The Things We Do for Love columns here.

When Courtney Love Gavin of San Francisco adopted Huckleberry Finn, a mini pig, she knew it would be a learning experience. And she was right. In the three years since “H. Finn” has been in her life, Gavin’s faced unexpected challenges and delights, and has discovered just what kind of special trappings make a mini pig happy.

Lord of the Manor

H. Finn adapted easily to life in Gavin’s apartment. He quickly learned to use a litterbox and enjoys his mini pig food Gavin orders for him. And he loves his extra treats of veggies or fruit.

While H. Finn sleeps with Gavin sometimes, most of the time he crashes in his own pad — a decked-out pig chateau, complete with windows and a chimney. Because mini pigs sleep a lot, having his own space is important, Gavin says. “He has his little bed, and I cuddle him up in blankets. He likes to be warm.”

H. Finn has the run of the house, but when he’s ready for breakfast, he comes into Gavin’s room to let her know it’s time to get up. “I can hear his [cloven hooves], and he makes this snorty-grunty sound to wake me up,” she says with a laugh.

A Neighborhood Celebrity

Gavin says the biggest challenge with having a mini pig as a pet is how others react to him. Each morning before work and each evening when she gets home, Gavin takes H. Finn on a walk around the park across the street from her apartment building. H. Finn either walks on a leash or Gavin pushes him in his stroller.

Either way, Gavin says, she must be prepared to socialize. “Taking him out in an urban environment can sometimes be a circus,” she explains. Children and adults alike swarm to H. Finn, who, Gavin says, loves the attention. “People walk by me and say, 'Is that a pig?’ Sometimes I wish we could go out incognito!” she admits.

That’s Some Pig

The little pig makes friends wherever he goes and loves to be around people. As Gavin learned more about mini pigs, she was delighted at how smart they are. “He even does tricks,” Gavin says. “He can sit, spin, jump and give kisses!” It’s no wonder H. Finn has plenty of people willing to pig-sit when Gavin’s out of town.

The best part about having H. Finn around? “The joy that he brings,” reveals Gavin. “No matter what’s going on, it’s so great to be around someone who is so excited and happy and lovable. Focusing on him makes everything else go away.”

What do you do for love? We’re looking for the funny, sweet and special stories that will make other pet parents smile. Email us at [email protected] to share your story. Please put "The Things We Do for Love" in the subject line.