Duchovny initially pitched the story as a children's animated film, but it was rejected for its religious themes, including the pig being a convert to Judaism.

[1] The story was first pitched as a children's animated film but was rejected due to its themes of Judaism and Islam, and scenes including the religious circumcision of a Jewish pig.

[2] Elsie Bovary is a cow in Upstate New York who lives happily until one night when she sees footage of factory farming and animal slaughter on the farmhouse television.

The Jews are disgusted by the sight of a pig at their holy site and chase the animals, throwing rocks, as do the Palestinians on the other side of the border wall.

She writes a book about her experiences, while Joe Camel and Shalom are nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for their work in the Middle East.

Matt Haig of The Guardian praised Duchovny for writing an unconventional novel compared to efforts by fellow actors James Franco and Ethan Hawke, and wrote that the book makes people reconsider their relationship with animals.

[4] In Scotland's The Press and Journal, Andrew Brebner wrote "you need a good wit to get you through and Duchovny’s carries you through the preachy parts to deliver a fun and diverting tale".