I learned something tonight that made me laugh so hard I had to share it. Did you ever hear this growing up? “Don’t let a praying mantis spit in your eye. You’ll go blind.” I had not. But after a good laugh and some skillful Googling, we learned it was a case of mistaken identity. Praying mantises do not spit. But the two striped walking stick bug has a defensive spray mechanism that could easily be mistaken for spitting. They can activate this gem if you are bold, curious, or making questionable life choices and put your face too close. At that point, congratulations. You've won a memorable life experience and a same day appointment with your eye doctor. The spray is not poisonous or acidic. It is, however, very good at making you regret your decisions. And while going blind is incredibly unlikely, so is getting sprayed in the eye by a two striped walking stick bug… yet here we are talking about it. So what is the takeaway? Marvel at these fascinating creatures. Appreciate them from a respectful distance. And please, keep your eyes to yourself.

West Highland White Terriers ("Westies") were originally bred with a bright white coat so hunters could distinguish them from the foxes, badgers, and vermin they were hunting in the Scottish Highlands, preventing accidental shootings. Their iconic, sturdy tails were intentionally designed to be strong enough for owners to pull them out of rabbit holes. - Developed for Visibility: In the 1800s, Colonel Edward Donald Malcolm of Poltalloch developed the breed after mistaking one of his reddish-colored terriers for a fox and shooting it. - Built for Hunting: Despite their small size, they were bred as tough working dogs to chase prey into burrows. - Distinctive Features: They are known for their "Westie smile" (slightly turned-up mouth corners), intelligent expressions, and a "Westie spin" when excited. - Independent Spirit: They are known to be confident, bold, and sometimes stubborn, acting much larger than they actually are.  I adore my little weird Westie girl. She is particular, strong willed, extremely loyal and loving. I am grateful to be on this short journey with her. 💜Little white shadow at my feet, Soft tiny paws and heart so sweet, Wherever I go, you softly trail, My fluffy love with a wagging tail.💜

Have you ever wondered what whiskers do? They are not decoration, they are tools. Very clever ones. Here are a few functional fun facts about cat whiskers. • Whisker fatigue is real A cat’s whiskers are highly sensitive. When they eat from deep or narrow bowls, their whiskers constantly brush the sides, which can feel overstimulating. Think of it like trying to eat every meal without a fork, stuffing your face into a bowl that is just a little too small. Not comfortable. Not relaxing. • Cutting whiskers is disorienting Whiskers help cats with balance, spatial awareness, and navigating in low light. Trimming them can leave a cat confused, unsure of their surroundings, and more prone to accidents. Whiskers are connected to the nervous system, so cutting, and touching them, can be uncomfortable and distressing. It would be a bit like someone pulling your hair while kicking your legs out from under you at the same time. 😯 • Whiskers are built in measuring tools A cat’s whiskers are roughly the width of their body. If the whiskers fit through a space, chances are the cat will too. It is like carrying a personal toolbox at all times. No tape measure needed. Pretty cool, right? Did any of this surprise you? Do you know any fun facts about animals?

Have you ever stopped to take a closer look at who’s already sharing your backyard? 🦎 If you have kids around, or if you’re just a curious grownup like me, this can be a fun little nature treasure hunt. Backyard lizards are quiet helpers. They mind their business, do important work, and ask for nothing in return. Depending on where you live, these little backyard neighbors may be resting for the winter or still popping out on warm days. Here are a few you might spot when they do. 🦎 Anoles Common in the Southeast and warmer areas. You might see them doing tiny push-ups on a fence or changing shades of green and brown. Why they’re good neighbors: • They eat mosquitoes and small pest insects • They help keep the insect population balanced naturally • Their presence usually means a healthy environment 🦎 Geckos Often spotted in warmer climates, especially around homes and porch lights. They’re fast, a little goofy, and surprisingly bold. Why they’re good neighbors: • They snack on moths, flies, and bugs drawn to lights • They reduce the need for chemical pest control • They’re harmless and fascinating to watch up close 🦎 Fence Lizards or Skinks Found across much of the U.S., including cooler regions. You’ll see them sunning on rocks, woodpiles, or garden edges. Why they’re good neighbors: • They eat ants, beetles, and other ground-dwelling insects • They help keep backyard ecosystems balanced by quietly doing their part • They help break down the insect cycle by eating larvae before bugs ever become a problem. If you spot one today, take a moment. Watch how still they can be. How aware. How perfectly suited they are to their tiny role. Feel free to share a photo or just tell us what you saw while visiting your backyard neighbors. 🐾💚 Sometimes learning starts right outside the door.

Marsupials are filled with surprises. Each story reminds us how life, in its tender beginnings, can teach us something new. Recently, keepers at Chester Zoo in the UK captured remarkable footage of a Goodfellow’s tree kangaroo joey growing inside his mother’s pouch. Tiny cameras placed gently inside the pouch gave us a rare window into his earliest days, from jellybean size through the first months of development. If you’re curious to see that rare pouch footage, you can watch it here. This precious joey was born to parents Kitawa and Kayjo through an international conservation breeding program, part of a global effort to help this endangered species thrive. Here are five fascinating facts about tree kangaroos: 1. Like all marsupials, tree kangaroo joeys are born extremely small, about the size of a jellybean. They must climb into their mother’s pouch immediately after birth to continue developing. 2. Goodfellow’s tree kangaroos live high in the rainforests of Papua New Guinea, spending much of their day in trees rather than on the ground. 3. Tree kangaroos move with surprising grace in the trees, able to climb, perch, and leap between branches with ease. 4. Tree kangaroos tend to rest or sleep for up to 16 hours a day, often positioning themselves head down so rain can roll off their fur. 5. Goodfellow’s tree kangaroo is classified as Endangered due to habitat loss and slow reproduction, which makes every successful birth especially meaningful. This short video includes a mix of footage from both protected environments and the wild. It offers a helpful glimpse into how tree kangaroos climb and navigate trees, something many of us have never seen before. Learning about the wonderful world of animals is a gentle reminder that there is always more to learn, care for, and celebrate. What marsupial do you want to learn about next?