Parker County Today April 2016 | Page 86

our youth: AG KIDS Cade Mask — Show Pigs, Bring Home the Bacon APRIL 2016 PA R K E R C O U N T Y T O D AY BY ABIGAIL GIEGER PHOTO BY STEVE SCHILLIO Winston Churchill once said, “I am fond of pigs. Dogs look up to us. Cats look down on us. Pigs treat us as equals.”  Cade Mask was very young when he first recognized the intelligence and humor in pigs. He’s still very young, but he works with his animals with a respect and gentle touch that makes his animals excel in the show ring.  Cade’s love for showing pigs began at age four as he watched his older brother Dylan show his animals. Dylan had shown for 11 years and Cade is following in his footsteps.  “I love animals,” Cade said. “I love taking care of them and winning when I can.” A student at Millsap Elementary, Cade has two show pigs named Blue and Sugar and has won Grand Cham- 84 pion of Show three times and he placed 12th at the Texas State Fair this year. He is also involved in the Millsap FFA program. Cade’s favorite part about showing is the fact that he gets to spend hours at a time taking care of his animals and connecting with them. In fact, he often has a hard time letting them go when the time comes. However, that doesn’t stop him from doing his best. Not only does he like to spend time with his animals but Cade also likes winning.  Cade’s love for animals has inspired him to set his sights on becoming a veterinarian when he grows up. He’s getting an early start by putting money back from his winnings to save for college.  The best advice he gives for others wanting to show is to “always do your best and never give up.”