PETS

PET LOSS SUPPORT GROUP This group meets the fourth Thursday of every month to help members cope with grief and loss. The group is open to anyone and everyone. 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, Jacksonville Humane Society, 8464 Beach Blvd., Southside, jaxhumane.org, free.

ADOPTABLES BIRDIE

LET’S FACE IT: ALL OF US AT ONE POINT inour lives feel compelled to write about gerbils. It’s a rite of passage. With their rangy hind legs and furry tails—tails as long as their bodies—gerbils are sweet enough, in a rodenty sort of way, and so fascinating to watch. Seeing as how gerbils love to burrow, like dachshunds, I made an instant connection with this creature. DIGGING GEMMA THE GERBIL Davi: How did gerbils, of all the rodent species in the world, end up a popular pocket pet? Gemma: Gerbils are naturally clean, quiet and gentle, and we can easily  t in a small apartment. We are also sociable creatures that enjoy the company of humans and other gerbils. Tell me something about gerbils that would surprise most people. Because our natural habitat is arid terrain, we are keen on water conservation. We don’t pee very much, and this means we smell cleaner than other rodents. And we have long tails that are able to shed, allowing us to escape predators! What food do you crave most o en? Gerbils are omnivores, so we like to  ll our bellies with fruits, veggies and nuts, but sun ower seeds are my favorite treat! Do you have any special talents? Gerbils are tunneling experts and will typically dig extensive networks of burrows, with tunnels leading to food stores, nesting areas and escape routes. What do you do in your free time? When I’m not busy running around the house in my exercise ball, I enjoy a cozy nap in my nest box. doesn’t involve water at all. We roll around in sand or dust, which clears away dirt and debris, and keeps our fur silky so . How do you communicate with other gerbils?  umping! We thump the ground with our hind feet whenever we get frightened, excited or we are stressed. We also do it to let others know of any danger from approaching predators. Do gerbils like music? Gerbils are sensitive to sound and can hear music. We mostly enjoy classical music played quietly, as it’s relaxing, but loud or chaotic music, like rock and metal, can be stressful. What’s the most interesting thing about you that we wouldn’t learn from simply meeting you? Gerbils are notorious for food hoarding. We will take food to various places in our cage for storage, bury it and o en forget about it. What do you think about when you are staring out of your comfy cave? I dream of becoming a great ninja in Mongolia, protecting my desert tribe from the dangers of the land! What three words perfectly sum you up? Calm, cute, and curious.  at sentiment is not surprising, since the small, furry and inquisitive creatures look adorable when they nibble on their food, stand on their hind feet or scurry around their environment.  ere’s no denying that these desert dwellers can make fantastic pets.

Davi the Dachshund mail@folioweekly.com GEMMA THE GERBIL RAPS ABOUT RODENT LIFE PETS LIKE ME GEMMA

16 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | FEBRUARY 26-MARCH 3, 2020 Do gerbils need baths? We have a unique way of bathing, which Subscribe to Folio Weekly Magazine’s Pets Newsletter at folioweekly.com/newsletters If you’re a bird, I’m a bird! I’m a sweet, friendly gal who loves head rubs, chin scratches, and soft blankets. I also like talking and greeting my friends with a happy “meow-lo!” I’d love to get to know you. You’ll  nd me hanging out with my kitty roommates in Group Room 5 at JHS. Stop by for a test pet!

YOGA WITH CATS Meowmaste! Certified instructor Beth Jordan, of Beth’s Boot Camp, leads an hourlong yoga session starring—you guessed it—cats and kittens. This event is BYOM (Bring Your Own Mat). 5:45 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28, Jax Humane Society, 8464 Beach Blvd., Southside, jaxhumane.org, $20.

DAISY ADOPTABLES

Me = fun-loving, curious pup who enjoys new adventures but also appreciates quiet walks around the neighborhood and taking time to smell the  owers. You = dog fanatic with plenty of affection—and treats!—to give. Wanna meet up for a game or two of fetch? Come  nd me at 8464 Beach Blvd.

MUTTS & MIMOSAS The fifth annual edition of this petfriendly benefit brunch boasts a buffet, live music and a silent auction. A portion of the proceeds go to the animal welfare advocates at Friends of Jacksonville Animals. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29, Sheraton Jacksonville, 10605 Deerwood Park Blvd., Southside, muttsandmimosas2020.eventbrite.com, $25-$35.