PAMPERED POTBELLIED PIGS HAVE IT MADE AT THE RODEO

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: MONDAY, February 24, 1992                   TAG: 9202220285
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: EX-2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: HOUSTON                                LENGTH: Short
PAMPERED POTBELLIED PIGS HAVE IT MADE AT THE RODEO
What do pigs do when they get fat and happy? They live in carpeted pens, eat candy and some even sleep on beds with blankets.
About 95 potbellied pigs are leading the pampered life while they compete at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for best-of-breed awards and prizes for fun events such as costuming and talent.
"Winning gives you points to promote your breeding stock, but we also welcome pet owners," said Joan Luedke, show secretary for the Houston area Potbellied Pig Enthusiasts. "If anyone is interested in owning a potbellied pig, the cream of the crop is here."
These are not ordinary pigs. Many of them probably wouldn't know what to make of a mud hole or slop bucket, nor will they ever be put on a butcher block.
They have names like "Annabelle," "Tuff Ozzie" and "Big Earl Campbell," named after former Houston Oiler football star Earl Campbell.
"I hope he's not offended because I named the pig after him," said owner Ray Tomkins, 59, of Houston. "I meant it as a compliment."
Campbell, the pig, won first place in the 6-to-9 month old altered sex, or neutered, category.
The two-week rodeo began Feb. 16.

by Bhavesh Jinadra by CNB