I have a problem with cute animals. They make me so angry that I want to hug them and squeeze them until they love me forever. This phenomenon is called cute aggression, and it makes it so hard to just pick one adorable spirit animal. Growing up in Florida, like most girls, my favorite animal at one point was the bottlenose dolphin. However, as I got older, the animals I loved became smaller and fluffer. So here is the list of my top four animals.
4.) The piglet: Yes, I know there aren’t that many fluffy piggies out there. However, there are some breeds that exist. Something about their snorty nose and curly tail fills me with happiness. I know they become as large as a labrador or bigger, but I don’t care. I have loved every interaction I have had with a pig. They are smart, sweet, and delicious. It’s the delicious part that messes things up. I don’t think I could ever have a pet pig and enjoy bacon again. And bacon is too delicious to give up.
3.) The White Stoat (AKA the ermine): If you have ever seen a royal coat that has the beautiful white fur with black dots that you have seen, ermine fur. The black spots are the ends of their tails. However, I do not love the white stoat, aka the ermine, because royals of a bygone time loved to wear them to keep them warm throughout their frigid winters. No! I love the feisty little stoat for just that. They are irresistibly cute and probably would try to eat your face. I have a deep love for that contrast. Cute animals that are actually savages. One of my favorite pictures of the ermine is one carrying a field mouse in its mouth. When my daughter saw it she was sad that the white long snowy animal killed the mouse. But I just told her it was carrying its sleepy friend. She accepted that answer and probably still thinks the mouse was tired.
2.) Otters: Otters are basically just ocean/river stoats. Only I think otters are far more murderous. Especially the river otters. They have attacked people who are kayaking or canoeing too close to their babies. As a mother, I understand this mindset. Don’t fuck with my babies and you get to live. Also, as a mother, I love how the ocean otters will hold hands with their babies as they sleep. They even have a pocket in their fur to keep their favorite smashing rock! I find it amazing that they have evolved to have a pocket in their armpit. Unlike human women who have to hunt down dresses and pants with functioning pockets.
1.) The Eastern Screech Owl: The tiniest and the fluffiest on the list. Full grown, they are only 5.8 oz! They are fierce little raptors that are usually monogamous and remain together for life. They come in a range of colors, mainly orange and brown with only 15% having deep rich red feathers. I love watching them. With their big eyes they take in the world around them, waiting to attack their next meal. While I may not be hunting for my meal, I am hyper vigilant. I take in everything around me observing my world, paying attention to side conversations while maintaining the one I am a part of. The Eastern Screech Owl has been known to look grumpy while sleeping or resting and I have been told that my RBF makes me very unapproachable but like the tiny owl… I don’t mind.