By Richard Stubbs · September 17, 2026
A quiet morning at Waterfall Kennels and Cattery in Fourways, South Africa — and a video call that brings two families together over a very familiar story.
Granddad Richard was checking emails in his office when his tablet chirped. On screen from 7 Stichwort Lane in Ashford were seven-year-old Tyler and nine-year-old Jordyn, waving from the sofa — and holding a book called The Conceited Pig.
"We were just reading about a silly little pig named Wilful who thought he knew everything. He wouldn't listen to his mother or anyone else." — Jordyn
Wilful was a conceited little pig who believed he was smarter than everyone around him. He refused to listen to his mother or take advice — until a tricky fox finally outsmarted him.
The story of Wilful resonated immediately with the children — because they could see the very same stubborn, self-important attitude playing out right in their own living room, among their beloved cats.
Granddad Richard chuckled at the story of Wilful. He knew the type well.
"We have a rather headstrong guest here right now — a parrot named Captain. He's convinced he's the boss of the cattery." — Granddad Richard
Even at Waterfall Kennels, conceit was alive and well — feathered, loud, and entirely convinced of its own authority.
Just then, Mum Michaela walked into the Ashford living room carrying a laundry basket — with Jack the ginger tabby and Joey the black-and-white cat trotting behind her. Jack had already decided the fresh, warm towels were his new bed, settling in with a look of absolute satisfaction.
Jack blinked lazily down at Joey, who sat on the floor staring up with unmistakable envy. The hierarchy was clear — at least in Jack's mind.
"Joey wants a turn, but Jack thinks he's the king of the basket," Tyler laughed — drawing an instant parallel to the story they had just been reading.
"He thought he was smarter than everyone else — until he got caught by the tricky fox." — Jordyn
Refused all advice. Believed he was the cleverest. Outsmarted by a fox.
Claimed the laundry basket. Ignored Joey entirely. Ruled with a lazy blink.
Declared himself boss of the cattery. Headstrong and utterly convinced of his authority.
Dad Warren entered the room and took matters into his own hands — gently lifting the protest-meowing Jack out of the basket.
"Come on, your majesty. Let's find a bed that isn't made of clean towels." — Dad Warren
The moment Jack was removed, Joey leapt straight into the basket — curling up in the exact warm spot Jack had just vacated. Not a second was wasted. The new king had arrived, and he looked every bit as satisfied as his predecessor.
"It seems conceit is contagious! You've got a whole house full of 'Wilfuls' there!" — Granddad Richard
Whether pig, parrot, or cat — those who think they know best often find someone else ready to take their place.
A simple story shared across continents — from Ashford to Fourways — brought laughter, connection, and a little wisdom to a quiet September morning.
The Conceited Pig