In a world where serotonin is in short supply, online pet videos and content are a lifesaver for many of us. The tenderness and love of these pets and their humans knows no bounds and reminds us that there is still good in the world. Here are two Nashville-based online pets that you should give all of your virtual love to.
Searching for an Instagram account that'll put a "hop" in your step? Melissa Hampton never intended to own a bunny, but now she says @billydabunny is "the pet I never knew I needed". She found Billy amid freezing weather in February of 2021, and the pair have been inseparable ever since. At first, she just intended to foster but ended up getting quickly attached to Billy, who has a super fun voice on Instagram living his best life.
Rachel Perri owns the adorable @carlthehedgehogclick -- a 3-year-old African Pygmy hedgehog she adopted at 1 month old. "I always knew I wanted a hedgehog. When I was growing up, my brother’s class pet was a hedgehog and we would bring it home for summers and holidays. It was like our family pet. Ever since then I knew I wanted one of my own," says Rachel. "Carl is very low maintenance and easy to take care of. He’s got a sweet and sassy side. He has a 3 story house haha he’s a fancy guy. My husband is a welder/builder so he made it custom for him. Carl LOVES live worms, chicken, and eggs. His daily staple food is similar to a dry cat food. He loves being outside and running in the grass. They can be very temperamental and solitary animals, so I made it a point to spend time every day with Carl so he would become familiar and comfortable with me. He knows my voice and scent and can find me in a group. You always know his attitude by how his quills look. If they are up in all directions, they are sharp to the touch and he’s upset, but if they are laid down and smooth to pet then he’s a happy boy. He doesn’t like to be woken up, he gets startled at loud noises or abrupt movements. Carl does classroom appearances for our teacher friends and has even done a couple of birthday party appearances. Kids (and parents) love him. He’s got the sweetest face and great personality (for a hedgehog)," says Rachel.