Daisy Makes A Superstar Visit To The Booth Library!

By Larissa Lytwyn

She goes by just one name, Daisy, and is the recipient of hundreds of tokens of admiration from people of all ages and backgrounds — even First Lady Laura Bush!

Her recent visit to the C.H. Booth Library marked one of countless public appearances across America, in which audiences have the opportunity to learn more her, and others like her.

Daisy is a full-grown pot-bellied pig.

She is also the beloved pet of Paul Minor, owner and head operator of Minor Farms & Country Store in Bristol.

“Daisy loves being read to,” said Farmer Minor, gesturing to the impressive display of pig-related books and framed articles about Daisy and Minor Farm around him. Dressed in overalls, checked shirt, and a red cap bearing his name, Farmer Minor certainly looked the part of the traditional Yankee cultivator eking out a living on rich New England soil.

“Why do you think pigs play in the mud?” he asked the group of about 45 children and their families. “To keep cool!” someone shouted. “Right,” said Farmer Minor. “Although, they would actually prefer water. Pigs are one of the cleanest animals there are.” Daisy, he said, has a kiddie pool in the backyard.

Her fame, he said, began one day on the farm after a visitor noticed that he and his wife read books to her. Daisy’s first book, Hello Piglet, remains her favorite. A few days later, a parcel arrived in the mail. An admirer had sent the Minors another children’s book — about pigs, of course — to share with Daisy. From then on, Daisy, gentle and smart, was a favored visitor to local libraries. “She even has her own library card,” said Farmer Minor.

He began running educational programs in area libraries and schools, endeavoring children to cultivate a love of reading as strong as Daisy’s. At the same time, children also had the chance to learn more about a pig’s life and behavioral characteristics.

Now Farmer Minor and Daisy have traveled to schools and libraries nationwide. He lifted a framed letter written by First Lady Laura Bush praising Farmer Minor’s efforts. “Mrs Bush used to be a librarian,” Farmer Minor said. “So she understands how important reading is!”

Besides being read to, Farmer Minor said, Daisy loves to sleep. “She’s very spoiled and lazy,” he said with a laugh. She enjoys two meals of fine quality grain twice daily, as well as the occasional treat when she is, as Farmer Minor said, a “very good girl.” Daisy’s favorite food is raisins. Farmer Minor proceeded to give Daisy a single raisin, then a second — mouth-to-mouth.

As children laughed and clapped in delight, parents exchanged charmed, though slightly startled, glances. The looks continued as Farmer Minor detailed Daisy’s proclivity to spend downtime napping on the Minors’ couch. Daisy also sleeps in the Minors’ bed — with her little companion, a toy piglet, naturally. The children helped Farmer Minor read Hello, Piglet to Daisy before being allowed to meet her up-close-and-personal.

“Make sure to stroke her gently, just on the top of her head,” advised Farmer Minor. “She doesn’t see very well, and if you touch her directly, all she’ll sense is moving shadows. And that can scare her.” When Daisy is not doing programs with Farmer Minor or undertaking her favorite activity, sleeping, she loves visits from children and their families. Minor Farm & Country Store is at 409 Hill Street in Bristol. For more information, call the Minors at 860-589-0861.