This little piggy brings joy all the way home at Johnson County senior living place

A good companion goes a long way at Good Samaritan Society — especially if it has four legs and offers up a grunt now and then.

The Olathe senior living facility often is treated to visits by Odin, a pig owned by Brett Martin, the facility’s environmental services director.

“If morale is low here, it’s a game changer,” Martin said.

Bringing his pets to to work isn’t new to Martin. His pig Sarge visited the special-needs population at Lakemary Center when he worked there.

“It had such a huge impact,” Martin said.

Sarge passed away, and Martin changed jobs ad got Odin. Like Sarge before him, Odin is a Juliana pig, one of the smallest breeds.

“Often they are called teacup pigs because as babies they are very little,” Martin said.

Sarge never weighed more than 35 pounds, while Odin is about twice that size.

“As babies they are very little,” Martin said. “You just never know.”

Martin tries to bring Odin as frequently as he can, but it’s really up to the pig. Sometimes, Odin chooses a good day outside in the mud over accompanying Martin to work.

Martin uses a ramp system for Odin to get in and out of vehicles, making visiting impossible if the pig doesn’t want to go. Even if he does, it can be difficult.

“He doesn’t like riding in a car,” Martin said. “Sometimes I put him in the back seat and he squeals for an hour.”

Odin lives at a family farm with chickens and cows, and he has plenty of room to enjoy his porcine life.

Martin is hoping to raise money to establish an outdoor park area at Good Samaritan Society suitable for Odin.

“I value his life,” Martin said. “I am not going shelter him in a small area. It’s not always about us.”

Martin understands how important Odin’s visits are to the residents.

“There’s a lady here who just weeps,” Martin said. “She think thinks it is one of her pets from her farm.”

This story was originally published February 19, 2025 at 5:00 AM.