From: 	gaffney@iconn.net[SMTP:gaffney@iconn.net]

1)  Is Akari always seen with her pig?  Or can she go 
somewhere without it?

There was a chapter, second one in vol 36, where Akari goes on a date with Ryoga, minus her pig. 

2) Is there a running gag with Ryouga announcing "long
journeys" and then P-Chan being back the next day?

Happens a few times. But not too often.

3) The shishihodokan is fueled by depression.  Ergo, if
Ryouga gets happy, he'll need to find something else, right?

Theoretically yes. But since he's fighting when he uses that attack, he usually doesn't stay happy for long during a fight.

Good luck with you fic.