Rhino!

There are few things that captivate my attention enough to make me ask about it every time I see it on TV. Sexual health, race, and religion are among those few, but of all the questions I ask myself, one stands out amongst the rest.

What is that fat little thing?!

Disney's new animated movie, Bolt!, has piqued my interest for one sole reason. His name is Rhino. And he is a fat furry thing that rolls around in his hamster ball. I don't care what this movie is about. I don't care that it's intended for an audience of children and parents. I will watch it (in the comfort of my own home just in case someone give me the judging glare of "Aren't you a little old to be watching children's movies?") because it promises at least an hour of time to look at the cuddliest and pudgiest character to hit Hollywood. Milo and Otis used to give me the same feeling, but they're the fat things of the yesteryear. Rhino is the new Milo.

Just look at those eyes. They're asking me to come love him. But don't love him too hard because he's small and fragile. It's a delicate balance between having so much love to give these animals and over-stimulating them with excessive petting and squeezing. Lucky for me, I don't have to cross that line because Rhino isn't real. I'm aware that he's a figure on screen, but that doesn't mean every time I see him in a commercial on TV I don't verbalize how much I want to squeeze him. It's an exercise in restraint, but it's hard. So hard.

-Nikki