Melancholy Octopus for a newborn

I'm so sick of the bird being usurped as the hipster crafter's mascot.  I mean, I like birds as much as the next guy, but I really don't need to see another sweet bird on a t-shirt, mug, tote bag, or what have you at the local craft fair.  I'm sick to death of it.  And don't get me started on the mustache thing.  Please.  That shit is played out.

But I'm way into cephalopods.  In particular, the octopus....although the friendly squid is a close second.

This little feller was a gift for a new lady-baby gloriously named Gilda.  (GILDA?!?!  I mean....right?  That's a wonderful and perfect name.  The world needs more Gilda.  And more Gildas.  But I digress....)

Before I sent this blue and yellow eight-legged beauty off to Gilda's mama, I had to make sure she was friendly and cuddly.

My cat Sadie confirms that the octopus makes a fine cuddle companion.  Cudpanion?  Octopus with Benefits?  I don't know.  I've had some wine.