Okay, bad pun. But in this January of sub-zero temperatures in half the world, blistering heat in the other half, continuing wars in various and sundry places, and TikTok fans in the U.S. facing serious withdrawals, I thought a smile might be a welcome way to start the day.

And so I present to you “the world’s happiest animal” — the quokka.

An Australian marsupial, he is one of the smallest wallabies, about the size of an average house cat, and lives in family units, hiding from predators in swampy places with heavy vegetation. He loves a diet of shrubs, berries, seeds and succulents, and can store fat in his tail for those times when food may be scarce.

Look at him. (I’m just guessing it’s a male because I don’t see a pouch.) Look at his perpetual smile and those big brown eyes that radiate love and trust. Those stand-up ears, the freckles, and the adorable little arms and fingers.

I have dubbed this little fellow Quincy, and I want to bring him home with me, though it would undoubtedly be illegal. Still, I can look at his picture, imagine how sweet it would be to have a little cuddle, and I feel happier somehow. Don’t you?

Live long and prosper, Quincy.

With love and hugs,
Brendochka
1/16/25