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. 💗

This cat-astrophe started years ago when my sister bought the fur-purrs a set of gnome catnip toys for Christmas. It was a very loved gift, and they still play with them to this day, but what purr-sued in the coming years could not have been foreseen. I decorate with Christmas gnomes, and the toys resemble my holiday décor a little too well. Now, every day I come home to gnome bodies scattered across my living room. This has become JZ’s favorite holiday pastime next to the typical tree ornament swatting. I’ve tried to explain that my gnomes are not toys, but all I get is a blank stare while he defiantly brushes the gnome guts off his face using the little Christmas tree another gnome is holding. I know it’s his very clear way of telling me my feelings don’t meowter. I’ve considered therapy, but I don’t think it will help me. I think I just have to accept the devastation, day in and day out until I can safely pack away the survivors for next year. Pray for me, LM

What kinds of posts would feel most meaningful to you here? Examples: - rescue stories - quick facts - ways to help - gentle inspiration - educational learning - something else Please let me know in the comments. This will help me, help you, and together, we will help the animals.

Today is one of my favorite days of the year! It is a day created entirely for giving back. A day where we get to pause, breathe, and remember the animals who depend on people like us. If you already have an organization you love, I hope you’ll take a moment today to support them in whatever way feels right to you. Every gift, big or small, helps keep their life-saving work going. And if your heart is looking for a place to give, I’ve added a few of my favorites in the Classroom. These are organizations doing real, beautiful work for animals every single day. I'll be adopting my Christmas presents today from Sheldrick since my donation will be matched! Who can resist a baby elephant, rhino, and giraffe?! 😍 Wherever you choose to give, thank you for caring. It truly makes a difference. 💗 LM

Giving Tuesday is coming, and it’s one of my favorite reminders that we can lift up the animals who depend on us. If you don’t already have a favorite organization, I put a handful of the ones closest to my heart inside Classroom. You can take a look, read a bit about the work they’re doing, and click through if you want to learn more or make a donation. Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Global Elephant Sanctuary, Center for Whale Research, and Jaguar Rescue Center all offer virtual adoptions, which make the sweetest gifts. If Black Friday and Cyber Monday didn’t/don't cover your list, adopting an animal is one of those gifts that keeps giving all year long to the person receiving it, the person giving it, the organization, and the animals themselves. 💗 If you already have a favorite place you love to support, I’d really like to hear about it.