The classic student excuse about a pet eating homework usually involves a dog, but one family in Arizona experienced a far more unusual twist with their miniature pig. A home camera recorded the entire mischievous act as the pig, named Polly, rummaged through a backpack and eagerly chewed up school papers. The girl’s mother shared the clip online, where it quickly racked up 1.5 million views and sparked widespread amusement. This real-life incident turned a common joke into a delightful reality for viewers everywhere.
The student, Taylee, had briefly stepped away from the living room while the family watched a movie together. Polly, ever observant, waited for the perfect moment and sprang into action once Taylee left the room. She confidently approached the backpack, tugged it to the floor, and began rooting through its contents. Without hesitation, the pig grabbed the homework sheets and started munching away enthusiastically.
Jacey Tinsley, Taylee’s mother, spoke to Newsweek about the family’s stunned reaction. “All three of us were frozen in place. It was a complete shock. My daughter just stood there watching, like she couldn’t believe what was happening,” Tinsley said. She added that Polly then trotted over proudly, tail wagging and ears perked, as if seeking approval for her accomplishment. The pig’s bold behavior left everyone speechless in the moment.
Polly showed no restraint during her snack attack. “She didn’t just nibble at the papers—she really went for it,” Tinsley explained. Some pages ended up shredded into bits while others vanished entirely after being swallowed whole. Virtually no evidence remained of the original assignment by the time she finished.
Tinsley highlighted how the intelligence of miniature pigs often leads to such clever antics. “Pigs are considered one of the smartest animals on the planet, which is incredible, but that also means they’re terribly resourceful and curious when it comes to getting into trouble,” she said. Polly behaves much like a toddler, learning quickly and always staying one step ahead of the family. This curiosity makes her both endearing and endlessly troublesome.
After the incident, the family forwarded the video to Taylee’s teachers along with an apology. The school staff responded with understanding and humor, noting that a pig eating homework was a completely new experience for them. No harsh consequences followed, turning a potential problem into a funny story. The lighthearted resolution added to the overall charm of the viral clip.
The Tinsleys decided to post the footage to illustrate the daily chaos of owning a mini pig. Many people doubt the wild tales of pet pig owners until they witness the evidence firsthand. Online commenters loved the video, with parents jokingly calling Polly a hero for saving a student from turning in work. Others expressed shock at the pig’s cunning planning and execution.
Viewers shared their own pet-related mishaps in the comments section. One person recalled submitting homework partially eaten by rabbits but still earning a decent grade since answers remained visible. Another noted that at least the incident brought laughs to everyone involved. These stories highlighted the universal struggles of pet owners dealing with unexpected interference.
Miniature pigs have gained popularity as pets in recent years due to their affectionate nature and compact size when young. Breeders often market them as teacup or micro pigs that stay small forever, though many grow to 50-150 pounds depending on care and genetics. They require similar commitment to dogs, including training, exercise, and a proper diet to avoid obesity. Their high intelligence allows them to learn tricks, use litter boxes, and even open doors or cabinets if not secured.
Pigs rank among the most intelligent domestic animals, capable of problem-solving and emotional understanding comparable to young children. Studies show they can recognize their names, follow commands, and form strong bonds with owners. However, this smarts combined with natural foraging instincts often results in mischievous behavior around food or unsecured items. Responsible ownership involves providing enrichment to keep their active minds occupied and prevent boredom-driven destruction.
Have you ever dealt with a pet destroying homework or important documents? Share your funniest animal antics in the comments.
