After Divorce, Nashville Woman Builds a New Life Around Pigs

After ending a 10-year marriage, Gayla Thompson decided to pursue a longtime wish: keeping a pet pig. She brought Daisy home in November 2025, when the piglet was eight weeks old and weighed nine pounds. Daisy has since grown to 50 pounds and become a central part of Thompson’s life.

Thompson said her former husband had not wanted her to have a pig, and that getting one after the divorce felt like a fresh start. Daisy has a bed, toys and a litter box, and goes on outings to a pet store and Sonic, where staff recognize her.

The pig has required some changes at home. Thompson said Daisy learned to open cabinets and pull things out, so she had to secure the house and protect the carpet. She said Daisy uses her litter box and eats grain pellets, lettuce and Cheerios. Caring for her cost about $50 a month during the winter, Thompson said; she expects expenses to fall to about $20 monthly once Daisy has an outdoor pen.

Thompson grew up caring for animals and said her family was unsurprised by her choice. She has previously owned large dogs and helped rehabilitate injured animals.

Thompson’s new partner has helped take Daisy to his country property on weekends so she can roam. The couple are moving in together and plan to build a pig pen. They have also brought home a second pig, Dude, and hope to add chickens and possibly a donkey to a small hobby farm.