Spend a day with the potbellied pigs at Best Friends and you’re almost certain to join their ever-growing fan club. They’re cute. They’re spunky. They can play fetch with a bowling ball! What’s not to like?

The weird thing is, many folks out there still don’t know a lot about potbellied pigs. And there’s not a lot of pig-specific stuff you can buy if you want to spoil them. So, you have to be creative.

Marlene Kovacevic of Macedonia, Ohio, is one such enterprising individual. She visited Best Friends for the first time in May of last year, and discovered potbellied pigs. There was no going back: She loved them! She wanted to do something nice for them, send some gift or toy that they could really use. So, like any seasoned shopper, Marlene hopped onto the Internet and started searching.

Sad to say, she couldn’t find a whole lot of merchandise for pigs. But one toy seemed promising, so she decided to give it a whirl. This toy is a gigantic hard plastic ball with holes drilled all around the outside. Stuff that ball full of goodies and the pigs have a treat-filled toy that can keep them entertained for hours. (And yes, the pigs love the toy she sent.) Way to go, Marlene!

But she wanted to do more. Thinking about the chilly winters at the sanctuary, Marlene figured the pigs could use some cold-weather jackets. Marlene bought a piggy coat on the Internet, but it turned out to be overpriced and of poor quality. She knew she could do better herself!

You see, Marlene loves to sew but doesn’t find many opportunities to crank up the machine and let ’er rip into the wee hours of the morning. This was a real win/win. In no time at all, elegant pig jackets started arriving in the mail at the sanctuary and the pigs began to look like runway models. At the same time, Marlene got to feel all the good sewing vibes a person could want.

Here’s hoping someday soon high-quality piggy merchandise will be available for those who aren’t as handy with a sewing machine as Marlene. Until then, though, the pigs sure aren’t complaining

Story by David Dickson
Photo by Gary Kalpakoff

You can learn more about pigs in our online resource library. Or, check out their online wish list to discover things they might enjoy receiving.

March 22, 2009 : 5:53 AM ET
posted by: cmykiki

Way to go Marlene! You're a PB Angel! I'm sure God is smiling at you right now!

March 17, 2009 : 10:36 AM ET
posted by: ginamomary

Oh my...quite stylish!!!

March 10, 2009 : 2:47 PM ET
posted by: rgcarr

These are absolutely adorable.....so very clever....have you, Marlene, ever looked on www.HandicappedPets.com....?? They may be able to use some of your "clothing line" for special needs pets. Very sweet, I would love to see more of the styles and colors, more photos please !!

March 10, 2009 : 1:45 PM ET
posted by: petpal1210

Thank you for your compliments! It was so much fun to design jackets for the pigs. I am thinking of creating a line of pig jackets...or other pets that need special fitted apparel. If interested in something for special your piggie, you can email me. Marlene petpal1210@yahoo.com

March 9, 2009 : 4:52 PM ET
posted by: nestapleton

I know first hand, because of my friend Penelope Hinkle (a potbellied pig,) that pigs do indeed LOVE clothes, not just for the warmth, which they adore, but also becasue pigs love stuff. They are very smart & sociable, & they love to put on a new coat or scarf to show that they are stylish. Penelope loves her winter coat, which she appreciates both for the comfort & because it is cute so people comment on it. She would be very envious indeed of these lovely coats Marlene made with all of the beautiful details. Pigs DO notice. They are very perceptive. Marlene is very sweet to do such a nice thing to make the little piggies happy.

March 9, 2009 : 1:31 PM ET
posted by: Sandy's Mom

I think a Piggy Models calender would be a great way to raise some money for these cute girls. I know I would buy one for me and several more for my family and friends. Thanks Marlene, those gifts show the true nature of your heart. This made my day!!

March 9, 2009 : 7:37 AM ET
posted by: lovemybabies

OMG! How cute!

March 8, 2009 : 8:56 PM ET
posted by: roxee

Naniuie is a stunner in this. I love the ruffle on the end. Please take pictures of all of the pigs in their jackets, because this is way beyone adorable. Miss Brittany has a cape, so the other pigs deserve to be well dressed too. LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT! Yvonne has the most stylish pigs in the U.S. thanks to adoring members. Thank you Marlene, you are wonderful.

March 8, 2009 : 11:18 AM ET
posted by: toulimantalos

OHMYGOSH, Marlene, this made my day - big time!!

This piggy girly is adoring her new FRILLY FROCK!!

You are both loving - & creative!!

Thank you - for being both!!

March 7, 2009 : 5:15 PM ET
posted by: marys

Marlene, this piggy jacket on Naniui is to die for!!!! How cute could a jacket possibly be?? Too sweet. Your talent for all things essential rocks!!

March 7, 2009 : 10:19 AM ET
posted by: PETCAT

HOW CUTE! I THINK A PIGGY EASTER PARADE IS A MUST.

March 7, 2009 : 3:47 AM ET
posted by: m4rci4

How awesome!!! It does a heart good to know that all animals are being thought of!!!

March 7, 2009 : 12:57 AM ET
posted by: twostepper

What a cutie piggy!! I've ALWAYS wanted a pig, but living in a city neighborhood, it wouldn't be allowed. They are so smart and lovable! Great looking jacket on her! Maybe "Pigs for Pets" will begin, and you, Marlene, will be able to provide their fashionable attire. Great work!

March 7, 2009 : 12:41 AM ET
posted by: Kats5dogs

What a beautiful soul you are Marlene! This jacket pictured is BEAUTIFUL as well as the piggy of course. The kindness of people still strikes holds me in awe sometimes. This is one of those times.

March 6, 2009 : 8:31 PM ET
posted by: weranger

Sounds like a business in the making for Marlene!

March 5, 2009 : 10:17 PM ET
posted by: beyondblessed

Naniui, purple is definitely your color.

xoxoxo

Jodie

March 5, 2009 : 2:23 AM ET
posted by: 3dogs10legs

Marlene, Your jacket creation is just wonderful! I absolutely love how cute it looks on this piggie model. Thank you for sharing your talents with the potbellies.

March 4, 2009 : 9:19 AM ET
posted by: lindasg

I LOVE the jacket!! She looks so pretty. Way to go Marlene!

March 3, 2009 : 11:11 AM ET
posted by: cambridgeratmom

What fashionistas these piggies are. Love the ruffles. Really, it almost looks like a tablecloth with a bellyband. Marlene, you rock!

March 2, 2009 : 3:15 PM ET
posted by: tjk427

This is a great story!!! What a wonderful thing to do for the beautiful potbellied pigs!

March 2, 2009 : 2:58 PM ET
posted by: lmiller

All I can say is WOW