The 4-foot-tall Hampshire hog is quite the attraction in her new rural pen, in the Lake Anna area. So far, she has dressed up for both Halloween and Thanksgiving.

The Laurel, Md., couple who bought the fiberglass pig on eBay this summer have been keeping her at their local vacation home. She was a unique addition to her owners' HOG, or Harley-Davidson, collection.

They sent a recent e-mail message on her behalf.

"Happy Holidays to ALL!! Hope that all of my followers had a good day of feasting on the 'OTHER' white meat. Thought you might enjoy hearing from me. Since having reconstructive surgery, I have welcomed many visitors from everywhere! West Virginia. South Carolina. Florida. Copenhagen, Denmark!!! I was even dressed up for Halloween!" it said.

"I greeted many trick-or-treaters and handed out an extra special treat--pork rinds, of course. As Thanksgiving approached, I sprouted some very colorful feathers. How's that saying go? Something about a pig flying. As you are hanging your stockings by the fireplace with glee, I will be doing the same. Looking forward to February. Rumor has it I will have a pretty good gig--Barbie Cu-pig! I'm really starting to like this retirement deal! Have a safe and happy holiday season!"

The statue's former owner, Virginia Barbeque Manager Frank Sopko, sold her in August because his landlord, Ramco-Gershenson Inc., said she had to go. The lease on the Aquia Towne Center buildings requires businesses to comply with sign regulations that prohibit structures in common areas used by other tenants.

The animal had been a mascot for the eatery since its 2003 opening, in a former Roy Roger's restaurant on the other side of U.S. 1. It brought attention to the business from day one.

Sopko waged battle with county officials over his right to put the statue on the roof. He later sent the porker on a communitywide tour. It showed up in front of other local businesses wearing everything from a ballet tutu to workout gear.

To reach MEGHANN COTTER: 540/374-5434
Email: mcotter@freelancestar.com