A miniature pot-bellied pig has brightened the life and home of a 37-year-old Eau Claire veteran.

Shane Wilson told the Leader-Telegram that he received the 5-month-old pig as a wedding present in May.

“I never planned on getting one in the first place, but I’m so glad I did,” Wilson said. “He’s so good and just fun to have around.”

His friend, who owns a pot-bellied pig of his own, showed up at Wilson’s door one day with Dozer the piglet. Wilson said he wasn’t sure how his wife, Tammy, would react since they already had a combined five children from previous marriages and a dog in the house. But Tammy and the landlord approved of Dozer.

Wilson said he was always impressed by all of the things his friend’s pig does with him.

Dozer is a registered service animal for the former Marine.

“He’s just such a comfort for me,” Wilson said. “He keeps me calm. He’s there for me if I need him.”

The pig sleeps in the Wilsons’ bed every night. Dozer even goes to the dog park with Wilson.

“He’s so smart,” Wilson said. “I would recommend a pig like him to anybody. He’s so good in the house and even goes to the door when he needs to go out.”