If dogs can strut their stuff in beauty competitions, why not rodents? The American Gerbil Society is hosting its annual New England pageant this weekend.
The annual show is being hosted at Middlesex Community College in Bedford, Massachusetts and kicks off with health inspections first thing this morning.
Gerbil owners can show off their unique habitats for their favorite pet. You can also test your gerbil’s agility with sports inspired by YouTube star Herman, whose slow motion jumping video went viral.
There’s also a silent charity auction and AGS member Leslie Balch will read her children’s book Jackie the Jumping Gerbil.
According to The Associated Press, the society presents winners for the agility and weight tests with ribbons their owners can proudly display.
“Even though they are so little, they are very different from each other and they smell a lot less than my brother’s hamsters,” Sarah Kaden, 14, of New Jersey, told the AP.
The event draws gerbil fans from around the world and includes a photo contest for those who can’t attend. Fans at the event will vote on the best submission.
AGS previously held an event in Maryland in January and had a virtual show last year.