On the night of New Year’s Eve in 2014, a group of burglars experienced the fright of a lifetime. Expecting to rob a quiet home in Derby, England, the intruders instead came face to snout with Ludwig, a 240-pound potbellied pig. Abandoning all thoughts of crime once they spotted the pig, the burglars instantly fled the scene and ran for their lives. INTRUDERS FLEE FROM LUDWIG THE PIG A HAM-FISTED ATTEMPT AT ROBBERY
The Kids Have Flown the Nest AN EMPTY NESTER TRAVEL BUCKET LIST
As summer approaches, kids will be graduating and heading off to college, leaving you as a first-time empty nester! Traveling without the kids can be a bit strange, but what better way to welcome a new chapter in your life than to head out on some great adventures? Here are some of the best destinations to consider as a new empty nester. Alaska Has Alaska been on your bucket list forever, but weekends spent shuffling the kids to sports games and extracurricular activities always took priority? Now is the time! Whether you explore Alaska’s vast wilderness by sea or on land, the experience will be magical. You can go whale watching, witness the aurora borealis, or take in the majestic glaciers — the views alone make the whole trip worth it. Hawaii Unless you live on the West Coast of the U.S., a flight to Hawaii is typically long — factor in kids, and it’s even longer! That’s why Hawaii is one of the ultimate destinations once the kids have moved out. Year round, there is so much to do; you can hike through waterfalls, visit the beaches, rent ATVs, enjoy breathtaking sunsets, and even visit volcanoes. Paso Robles, California Sure, Napa Valley is famous for vineyards and magnificent wines, but Paso Robles has a quaint small-town charm, making it the perfect destination to visit and celebrate your kids finally going off on their own. With tons of vineyards and tasting rooms, breweries, and eateries, you are bound to have a fabulous time. The Grand Canyon, Arizona While you may have taken the kids to see the Grand Canyon when they were younger, it’s time to return and rekindle the romance as empty nesters. Not only is it great to reminisce on past family trips, but scenic helicopter tours and champagne brunches on the floor of the Grand Canyon also feel a bit more intimate without the kids around. It can feel bittersweet after your last child leaves the house, but with these vacations and adventures planned, you’ll be thrilled to embark on your empty-nester journey!
The “hero ham” had already become a popular figure in his town and was well-loved for his gentle demeanor. In fact, Michael Maughan, Ludwig’s owner, is confident that Ludwig wouldn’t have harmed the intruders, even if he does look quite intimidating. Local officers believe the robbers must have heard Ludwig’s Rottweiler-like “growl” and immediately hit the road, leaving the door
wide open behind them.
The story of this heroic potbellied pig became a sensation throughout Europe. Countless fans have applauded the Canadian-born hog for his loyalty to his owners. But the owners want to ensure people understand that Ludwig would never hurt anyone. Some fabricated web stories made Ludwig sound more dangerous than he is, so Maughan spoke to the Toronto Star to dispute any defamations against Ludwig’s kindness. “He’s being painted as a vicious creature when he’s actually quite a sweet animal,” he explained. “He didn’t exactly bare his tusks and charge, I don’t think. I think he got absolutely, ‘Arrgh,’ and they just ran for it.” In fact, Maughan detailed that after a two-month separation during their move to England, the pig shed tears during their reunion. Adorable and affectionate, Ludwig would have probably become friends with the intruders in no time. Even if his “bark” is worse than his bite, Ludwig succeeded in keeping his owners safe while also protecting their home. This 240-pound potbellied pig continues to enjoy his comfortable home in Derby and is considered a town hero. Anyone looking for a guard dog may want to consider a hefty hog instead!
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