He was bred by Brian Doggett of Australian Companion Pigs in Yarra Junction in Victoria. He was bred down from 6 Generations Wessex Saddleback Pigs.

Hoover performed in front of thousands of people. Anyone who had the privilege of working with Hoover, meeting him or watching him perform was just amazed by his talent and intelligence. He brought smiles to so many faces.

HOOVER’S STORY

Hoover "The Wonder Pig" was Australia’s first ever Performing Pig. He was owned and trained by my friend Teresa Mutvejs from Adelaide, South Australia.

Hoover appeared on a television program called "A Current Affair". Teresa was fighting to keep Hoover as a pet in her backyard and lived in a residential area (which without Council permission and approval is not permitted).

Teresa trained Hoover to perform tricks such as...

PUSH A PRAM
WALK UP & DOWN A SEE-SAW
ROLL A BARREL
SLIDE DOWN A SLIPPERY DIP
JUMP OVER HURDLES
WALK A FIGURE 8
UNROLL A RUG
CATCH RINGS ON HIS NOSE
PLAY A CHILDREN’S PANIO
SIT ON COMMAND
WEAR HIS OWN SUN GLASSES
BOWS AT THE END OF HIS SHOW

Teresa proved to Council that Hoover was a source of income for herself, her husband and 5 children and made a living from his performances. After a year battling with her local Council and neighbours, she “Won” and got to keep him under special Council conditions (which I thought were cruel)

Hoover had to live in a specially modified room in her house and was only allowed to go outside the yard for toilet breaks and training. All other times he had to be inside.

I made contact with Teresa, after seeing her on TV. We became long distant friends (1000 kms apart). I decided to visit her and meet Hoover and took Holly-Honey with me.

A year later, she came to stay at Happy Farm with Hoover and her 5 kids for about 3 months. We did a number of Agricultural Shows together, which were a huge success.

When she returned home to Adelaide, Hoover was miserable, back in that horrible room. He definitely missed the farm, the space and freedom he had acquired.

Teresa was offered full-time job working with a travelling Circus and wouldn’t have much time for Hoover as she had 5 children under 6 years of age to look after as well. She called me and said "Georgia if you want him, he's yours, come and get him". She knew deep down that Hoover was better off and would be so much happier on the farm.

I drove a 2000 kilometre round trip to Adelaide and back in 2 days. Hoover came to live Happy Farm in May 2002. He settled in well. We built him his own house and painted it blue to match Holly-Honey's pink one.

He was slowly transforming into a happy and social animal.

Hoover was not socialized much as he rarely left that confined room except for his short visits to the backyard or when he was working, performing at schools or parties, etc…

We bonded immediately. He got the love, affection, attention he pined for. I had time for him, he would sit outside the house gate where he knew he was guaranteed food or a belly rub he usually got both.

The suggested wedding between Hoover & Holly-Honey, which started out as a joke, really did happen and was seen by millions of Australian’s on National Television. Channel 7’s - Today Tonight (a current affair programme) had exclusive coverage.

Their Wedding Day took place at Happy Farm in Adelong NSW on Saturday the 13th of July 2002.

Both Hoover and Holly-Honey are de-sexed and were bought as Pet Pigs.

Hoover's tusks kept growing over the years, Teresa would take him to her local vet and have his tusks ground down to gum level every 6-8 months, as I did when I got him.

Tusks continue growing, regardless if the pig is de-sexed or not. At age 4 when these saddlebacks are fully-grown, their tusks are about 4 to 5 inches long.

Hoover had a nipping (biting) habit, something Teresa did not discipline him for and I think he did it out of frustration not aggression.

He was never hand fed, Teresa used to throw his rewards and treats on the ground after every trick, because she said he kept nipping and biting. I got Hoover eating apples out of my hand, in just a few weeks.

I took him to a Veterinary Clinic at Wagga Wagga (approx 80 kms from home) to have his "tusks" trimmed (cut down to gum level)

Unfortunately Hoover was overdosed with anaesthetic, I drove him home and stopping several times to check on him and calling my Vet in Sydney telling him of Hoover's condition and status. I followed his instructions and checked on him every half an hour but he was not settling down. I finally checked up on him at about 5.30pm and he wasn't moving I called him, but there was no response. I called my husband Ian and we tried to revive him, but it was too late, he was gone, we lost him.

Hoover died on Thursday 5th December 2002

My Vet, (from Sydney) sent me this note..... I feel very sad at your news. Please give me a call when you are ready. It sounds as if Hoover got a condition called Malignant Hyperthermia, which I have seen in pigs, dogs and has been reported to occur in humans. It is extremely rare, and I have never been able to save an animal with it. For some range of reasons the core temperature rises after (or during) an anaesthetic and continues to rise in spite of attempts to cool the patient down. The pig is the most susceptible domestic animal (to my knowledge). Georgia and Ian, what can I say? Time will heal your pain. Take care. Rob

I was totally devastated. We not only lost Australia's Only Famous Performing Pig, but a pet, a friend and a beloved companion. We had the pleasure of Hoover's company here at Happy Farm for 6 short but unforgettable and wonderful months.

In the Six months I had Hoover, he and Holly-Honey performed at a number of Agricultural shows in NSW & VIC including: Nowra, Tumut, Tumbarumba Goulburn, Lockhart, West Wyalong, Picton, Narrandera, Griffith, Rutherglen, Myrtleford, Adelong and many more.

Hoover appeared on T.V. many times on shows such as Rove Live, A Current Affair, Today/Tonight, Harry’s Practise, The Today Show, Local and National News, Children’s Programmes and European Television. Hoover also performed at the Melbourne Fringe Festival.

In the immediate days after Hoover died, Holly-Honey took up residence in Hoover's house for about a week. Every time I'd check on her and she's been in his house, She was also hanging around his grave, I'm certain she understood he was gone. Holly-Honey was missing him.

The town of Adelong was in shock, as were other near by towns. When Hoover came to live at Happy Farm in Adelong, he brought recognition to the little town of 900 residence and certainly put Adelong on the map.

We buried Hoover near his House wearing his Performing Cape with photos of Holly-Honey by his side. We had a beautiful head stone made for his grave.

A week after Hoover's death, I rode my Ducati 1000 across to South Australia to visit Teresa Matvejs (Hoover's previous owner and trainer) She showed me how she trained Hoover and what techniques she used. She had complete faith in me that I could train another pig. After South Australia, I headed to Victoria to meet Brian Doggett of Australian Companion Pigs who bred Hoover. I met Hoover's mum too. It was really important for me to do this trip. I learnt a so much and felt a little more at piece with Hoover’s death.

Dearest Hoover,

It’s funny I’ve forgotten the names and faces of so many people who’ve touched my life, but I remember every detail of you. Maybe, its because you touched my soul. I realise, as time passes that animals have was of teaching us about loving, about loyalty, joy and friendship and whatever we’ve shared in their presence can never really be lost. You taught me so much Hoover, it was truly an honour knowing and loving you for the short time that we shared together. I’d like to think I gave you a safe and comfortable home you were a gentle, loving companion and a beloved friend. You will always remain in my heart.

Love Georgia

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