Pretzels, Family, and Mice

What’s Wrong With Your Dog?

The Snooze Science: Why Your Dog Becomes a Furry Pretzel

Ever wonder why your dog sleeps curled up like a cinnamon roll? It’s not just about looking cozy (though they nail that part). When dogs curl into that tight ball, they’re following an instinct passed down from their wild ancestors: protect your vital organs at all costs. Yep, that adorable sleeping position is really just a doggy security system to protect their squishy bits.

Back in the day, wolves and wild dogs had to snooze in the open, vulnerable to predators, weather, and who-knows-what lurking in the night. By curling up, they shielded their soft bellies—home to all the important bits—from potential attacks. It’s a built-in “stay safe” mechanism that even today’s pampered pooches haven’t quite let go of, no matter how plush their beds are. And my lil babe has quite the selection of beds.

But let’s be real—while your dog might think they’re guarding their belly from danger, the scariest thing they’re likely to face is... the Roomba. I guess it's a good thing that my dog doesn't prefer the Roomba - that way it can clean.

In modern times, curling up might also help dogs stay warm. Just like you pull a blanket tighter on a chilly night, dogs tuck their noses under their tails to conserve body heat. Think of it as their version of a thermal cocoon, although my dog still takes over the blankets too.

Who knew protecting squishy bits could look so adorable?

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Dogs teach treats, fetch, and acting good

Logical treats: Dogs teach us so many things
Preach!: Such important topics
Judging: Check yourself

Culture

Flex Those Mice! 

Next time you’re flexing those biceps in the mirror, consider this: You’re basically showing off your little mice. Yep, that bulge you’re so proud of (mine is so little)? The ancient Romans thought it looked like a tiny mouse scurrying just beneath your skin. Yuck!  Thank goodness it isn't!  Not only did the flex remind them of a mouse’s plump body, but the twitchy movements sealed the deal—“musculus,” Latin for “little mouse,” became the official word for what we now call muscle.

So technically, every time you lift weights or carry too many groceries in one trip, you're giving those sneaky little mice a workout. And if you’ve been slacking on arm day? 

This oddball comparison stuck through centuries—because, let’s be real, it’s too weird to forget. It’s a playful reminder that even ancient people had a sense of humor when it came to anatomy. Today, it’s a quirky piece of trivia that adds a dash of charm to biology. So next time you brag about your gains, just smile and say, "Look at these mice go! Go mice, go!"

Chuckle

The fib is C. Jellyfish are 95% water. Their simple body structure allows them to survive without a brain or heart.

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