Put your best gerbil forward

Despite their bad reputation, rodents are animals to celebrate. If you disagree, just watch "An American Tail" a few times, and you'll see what we mean. Today, you can join other pro-rodent types at the seventh-annual New England Gerbil Show in Nashua, N.H. The event includes activities for children, a pet supply show, gerbil Olympics, and a special exhibit dedicated to rats. This is the Year of the Rat, after all. There's more information online about a special gerbil show rate at the hotel and rules for bringing your pets. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. $2, $10 per family. Holiday Inn, 9 Northeastern Blvd., Nashua, N.H. 603-888-1551. agsgerbils.org[Meredith Goldstein]