1-Year-Old Gerbil Duo with Most Fitting Names Looking for Rescue Home in Oregon
When most people think of 'rescue pets,' dogs and cats are the first animals that come to mind. Maybe it's the heartbreaking commercials with the sad music that stuck in our minds, but the reality is that there are animals of all shapes and sizes in need of rescue.
Out in the country, you'll find rescues and animal shelters that care for horses and other farm animals, but almost any shelter can care for small animals like hamsters, rabbits, and rodents. You may not see these tiny mammals as often as dogs and cats, but they need loving homes, too.
Meet Nutter and Butter! These two adorable gerbils may have the sweetest names, but they found themselves in a sticky situation at @greenhillhumanesociety in Eugene, Oregon. Shelter volunteers are working hard to find these besties a home where they can thrive together, but so far, no one has come forward to adopt them. After the shelter posted a TikTok video on September 27, though, the delicious duo has more fans than ever!
OMG--they are too cute! Those huge glistening eyes had me under their spell immediately, and I know I'd be done for if I ever walked by them at the shelter. But here's the good news: If these pet gerbils can enchant me, they can put a potential adopter under their spell, too.
It can be trickier to find a home for small mammals like gerbils when most people visit shelters looking for cats and dogs. Luckily, these tiny critters take up a lot less space and time than a larger pet, so there's still a very high chance that someone will fall in love with them and adopt them. I still remember the day my grandpa and I adopted a hamster on a whim one summer, and we adored her for the rest of her life! So, if a dwarf hamster can find her forever home, so can a pair of gerbils.
Caring for Gerbils
Although these animals are less frequently seen than other small rodents, their care is rather similar. They need plenty of space to explore, run, burrow, and sleep, and they'll stay busy with lots of exercise and mental stimulation, too. While they can keep themselves entertained with a running wheel, chews to gnaw on, and dust to bathe in, some gerbils may also enjoy spending time with their owner. It's nothing personal if your gerbil doesn't like to be held--most of them don't!
But here's what to consider before buying a gerbil: even though gerbils don't usually love human affection, they almost always need company from another gerbil to thrive. Some gerbils even become depressed when alone! That's why Nutter and Butter are a perfect pair! They're already BFFs who will keep each other company, and their adorable names are just the cherry on top. If you're in Oregon, why not pay them a visit?
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