First of all it is a matter of definition. Very little distinction exists between a pet and a domestic animal, e.g. a pig or rabbit can be either.
I noticed a farmer that had pig with a wooden leg and naturally asked what that story was behind that was.
OK, says the farmer, this pig is very special to my family and me, well just 2 months ago, I'm working underneath my tractor, the jack fell and the tractor was crushing me. I yelled and my pig rushed to my rescue, dug me out and pulled me away from the tractor.
Well that's very commentable I said..but..
That's not all, last week my house caught fire and my pig pulled my 2 young daughters to safety. It even received a hero gold ribbon, from the village mayor.
I understand, but that still doesn't explain the wooden leg!
Well like I said, this pig is very special to my family and well, we just cannot bring ourselves to eat it all at once.