Judge Gordon Herrington of the Circuit District Court in San Francisco has done the unexpected: he’s adopted an extra-large potbelly pig. The pig, newly christened “Sherry”, has become an obscure fixture in the judge’s chambers, much to the dismay of the court staff.
When asked why he chose to adopt a pet pig instead of a more traditional pet, Herrington offered a surprisingly candid answer. “I thought it would be fun. A couple of my colleagues had them, so I think I got sucked in by peer pressure,” he confessed sheepishly.
Sherry has been seen brought into court on multiple occasions, to the shock of all onlookers. She’s been known to have an appetite for court transcripts, and to offer an occasional grunt of approval from her corner of the chamber.
Herrington says he couldn’t be happier with Sherry’s presence in his chambers. He’s gone to great lengths to ensure she stays comfortable, including outfitting her with numerous cushions, a spare robe, and a personalized judge’s gavel.
Though some might question the ethics of a judge keeping a pet pig in his chambers, especially during sessions of a court, Judge Herrington insists that the situation is perfectly permissible.
“With a sense of responsibility, we can all make court more inviting for everyone,” he said. “A friendly potbelly pig goes a long way towards creating an environment that is both welcoming and respectful.”