Fans sent six live potbellied pigs to George Clooney’s house after the news got out that he lost his beloved pet, Max, at the age of 19. Doctors were amazed that old Max lived so long, a full four years past his life expectancy. Max suffered from arthritis and was partially blind in his old age. In 2001 Clooney’s friend Tommy Hinkley ran over the pig, which seemed to recover well from the accident, and suffered just cuts on his back and a squashed nose.

Clooney kind of admitted that Max was the closest he’d get to a long term relationship, and the pig even slept in the same room as him. At the time of Max’s death, though, he said he wouldn’t get another pig. Clooney made sure that all the pigs sent to his house were adopted by loving families:

George Clooney’s grateful to fans who’ve overwhelmed him with condolences over the death of Max, his pet pobellied porker - but please, folks, stop sending replacements! Incredibly, six LIVE potbellied oinkers were delivered to his home by overzelous fans! George adored all the piggies, says an insider, but had to find loving homes for them all.

[From The National Enquirer print edition. Mike Walker’s column. January 22, 2007]

That’s kind of cute.

Here’s a picture of some potbellied piglets from the North American potbellied pig association. They urge people to be responsible when considering whether they want to take a potbellied pig into their home. It is usually a 15 year commitment, pigs require patience and caring, and the pig should be purchased from a reputable dealer. Potbellied pigs are considered to be affectionate and intelligent pets.