Diamonds Are Furever

In partnership with

Environment

Whales Can Hold Their Breath Longer Than Your Last Relationship

My mother threw me into swim classes when I was young, probably hoping I'd be the next Michael Phelps - I barely managed a dog-paddle. Even treading water eventually wore me out! And definitely forget about scuba diving - I seriously couldn’t even hold my breath long enough to survive Marco Polo. Whether scuba diving or just trying to swim, my bod and my breath wasn't having it being submerged in water. Well, leave it to whales to really show me up. Cuvier’s beaked whales are out here holding their breath for 3 hours and 42 minutes (what on earth?). That’s longer than your last Netflix binge (well, for some of you) or the wait time at brunch last Sunday.

These whales store oxygen like pros thanks to more red blood cells, and their heart rate slows down like your Wi-Fi when everyone’s streaming. Imagine holding your breath long enough to scroll through all your ex’s Instagram photos - without liking any by accident (my sister used to do this!).

Next time you want to spit a little knowledge game or up your dating app, drop, “Whales can hold their breath for almost 4 hours.” Trust me, it’s a better icebreaker than “So, what do you do for work?” Hey Ma, I didn’t master the deep end in the pool, but I did master going off the deep end at times - halfers. It counts.

Proud Parent

Paws Up, Dog Parents. 🐾 Join our Fido Family!

We are glad you like Fido Fly and are part of this community who loves dogs. We would like to invite you to receive Fido Family, a weekly email that digs deep into dog topics such as step-by-step training guides and vet-approved health information. Importantly, it also provides guidance and tools for human health because we need to be in good shape to take care of our pups. Because our community is a dog-loving family, it’s called Fido Family, and gets delivered every Tuesday.

Access your free trial here.

Lay down, be aware, and get crackin’

Comfy: Beyond a true story
Warning: It could happen
Reassess: I be crackin’

Funny shirt: My dog thinks you’re cray (from thezenly.com shop)

Culture

This To-Do List Starts with Cry Daily

Most weddings are full of tears, but in China’s Tujia culture, crying isn’t just a sentimental reaction - it’s an official requirement. Imagine if instead of just tearing up during vows, the bride had to start crying a full month before the wedding (and not just because she is dramatic like my sister). Yes, a whole month!

Welcome to Zuo Tang—or as we like to call it, the “wedding weep-a-thon.”  Tujia brides don’t just get misty-eyed for a moment; they’re expected to cry for an hour a day, every day, starting 30 days before the big event. And it doesn’t stop there. About ten days in, her mother joins. A few days later, grandma jumps in. By the end of the month, it’s a full-blown chorus of sorrow.

But here’s the twist—it’s not all doom and gloom. This isn’t about sadness. Instead, it’s a ritual of joy, gratitude, and even showmanship. Brides often cry in a highly theatrical (ok, maybe my sister could do this), almost operatic way, sometimes even singing their sobs in a traditional form of kuaiban (a rhythmic storytelling style).

This practice, dating back to the Ming Dynasty, is meant to express appreciation for the bride’s family and mourn her departure from her childhood home. It’s also believed to bring good fortune and drive away bad luck. Think of it as a pre-wedding emotional detox - better to get the stress out before the big day than during the vows, right?

While Zuo Tang isn’t as common today, some families still keep the tradition alive in a more symbolic way. Brides might stage a short “crying ceremony” instead of dedicating an entire month to it (which, let’s be honest, would make mascara sales skyrocket).

In a world where weddings are becoming more Insta-perfect and less about traditions, the Tujia crying ceremony is a reminder that rituals don’t always have to make sense to everyone - sometimes, they just have to make memories. And hey, at least it’s cheaper than a wedding planner! Major perk, unless it is that hilarious wedding planner in that famous movie about a bride and her father (you know the one!). 

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things

The Spring Fido catalog is here! Check out toys, clothes, and decorations to get you into the health/loving/lucky spirit. It’s fun just to browse through everything.

We hate inflation

With all of the financial experts warning people that everything is going to be more expensive in 2025, it’s time to lock in prices for insurance. At least one thing will save money. Maybe you can even afford eggs.

Could you pay $10,000 for a pet emergency?

Unexpected vet bills can be a financial burden, with some procedures costing $10,000+. Without coverage, you’d have to cover these expenses out of pocket.

Pet insurance companies can offer up to 90% reimbursement for covered claims, providing peace of mind and protection against expensive medical bills.

Don’t let unexpected vet bills stress you out. Protect your pet and your finances with top-rated pet insurance.

PROTECT YOUR PET

Chuckle  

The fib is B. A cockroach can live for a week without its head.

What did you think of this week's Fido Fly newsletter?
Your feedback helps us to create exactly what you want.

Was this forwarded to you? Sign up to receive your own weekly copy. It’s free to subscribe.

Looking for previous editions of Fido Fly? They are all safely stored here.