Gerbil lovers show off pets

Looking for a furry friend or two to keep her daughter's pet gerbil company, Libby Hanna of Bedford said she was "completely taken" with the American Gerbil Society New England Show she visited four years ago.

Today, she is a board member of the organization and is working alongside Jennifer Bell of Methuen to coordinate this year's event, which will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Bedford Plaza Hotel. "Gerbils are delightful to watch," said Hanna, whose family has acquired a menagerie of pets and rescued animals that currently includes a dozen gerbils, two Egyptian spiny mice, and a chinchilla.

While serious gerbil owners and breeders compete for Best in Show honors, the public is invited to enter gerbils in a free Pet Class competition with ribbons awarded for Longest Whiskers, Fastest Wheel Runner, and other distinctions. The show also features a coloring contest, animal treasure hunt, and gerbil Olympics with a chewing contest and timed race.

According to Hanna, gerbils make ideal pets because they are social animals that entertain their cagemates. "We love our gerbils," she said.

Admission to the American Gerbil Society New England Show costs $1 with a $5 family cap. For gerbil show entry requirements and more information, visit agsgerbils.org.