If you love learning about the amazing creatures, we share this world with, you’re going to enjoy today’s quick dive. This one comes straight from my aquarist friend who has taught me so many incredible things about these intelligent and fascinating creatures, the octopuses! Let’s dive in: • The plural of octopus is octopuses. Octopi isn’t actually correct because it mixes Greek and Latin. Octopod works too, especially if you don’t know the gender, it's kind of like using they/them. • Speaking of gender, you can tell an octopus' gender around 6 months old by looking at their third arm from the right. Females have sucker cups all the way to the tip, and males have a smooth, spoon-shaped end called the hectocotylus. • The male's arm has a very special purpose. He uses it to reach inside his mantle, grab a spermatophore (a sperm packet), and then gently place it inside the female’s mantle during reproduction. Sadly, this marks the beginning of the end of their already-short lives (usually 2–3 years). The female passes shortly after her eggs hatch, and the male passes a few months later. • The siphon, that little tube near their head, is their jet propulsion. The octopus inhales and expels water through their siphon helping them zoom around with speed and grace. • Octopuses are incredibly intelligent. They’re known as the most intelligent invertebrate, with both short- and long-term memory. They can problem-solve, open jars, and even use tools. Honestly, they’d probably be very handy in the kitchen. And if you haven’t already seen My Octopus Teacher, it is a must-see. It will make you fall in love with this beautiful, three-hearted animal. Yes, they have three hearts, which makes me love them even more! What about you? What is your favorite animal? Let’s keep learning about this wonderful animal world together. 💗

It all started years ago when my sister gifted the fur-purrs some innocent-looking gnome catnip toys. Cute idea with unintended consequences because they look exactly like my Christmas gnome decorations. Now for the holidays, I walk in from work to what can only be described as… a festive crime scene. Gnome bodies everywhere. Ornaments trembling for their lives. I’ve tried to explain to JZ that my gnomes are not toys, but he just stares at me, wipes gnome guts off his face with the tiny tree another gnome is holding, which clearly tells me my feelings don’t meowter. I’ve accepted that holiday peace may never return, I just live among the fallen now. Send strength, LM

Years ago, my sister gave the fur-purrs gnome catnip toys for Christmas. Sweet gesture and very cat-approved. Unfortunately, they also match my actual Christmas gnome decorations a little too well. Now when I come home, it looks like the gnomes have fought a battle they absolutely did not win. JZ struts through the wreckage like he’s defending the homeland. I do remind him, daily, that these gnomes are décor… not prey. In response, he brushes “gnome dust” off his face using the little Christmas tree another gnome is holding. His silent message to me is my feelings do not meowter. I’ve accepted that holiday peace may never return. I just live among the fallen now. Send strength, LM

Today is one of my favorite days of the year. It's a day that reminds us how powerful compassion really is. So many incredible animal organizations pour their hearts into caring, healing, and protecting, and today, we get to pour a little love back into them. If you already have a rescue or sanctuary you adore, Giving Tuesday is a beautiful moment to support them. Even the smallest gift makes a real difference. If you’re looking for ideas or want to discover new organizations doing meaningful work, I’ve pulled together a few of my favorites in my Classroom here. 🥰 Take a look, learn their missions, and follow your heart. The animals feel your love more than you know. 💚LM