Chicago Tribune

'I treat him like my child': Millennial pet parents make financial sacrifices for their fur babies, sometimes even taking on debt

When Caitlyn Isham got her pet pig, Porkchop, six years ago, her large family had just welcomed three stair-step newborns.

"I had nephews born in May, June, and July," said Isham, a 37-year-old Wicker Park resident. "I got Porkchop later in the fall and said, 'Here's my contribution to the family.'"

With 14 nieces and nephews, Isham said she's "not short on the baby aspect." And much like her siblings, she's a devoted, caring parent - her child just has hooves.

Porkchop snuggles in bed with Isham at night; Isham makes sure his diet is top-notch; she's on top of

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