Survival is best achieved through adaptation. Evolution itself relies on adaptation. My ancestors survived by safeguarding their food from predators. That instinct has been passed on from generation to generation... and that has made it possible for me to be here. And here and now is what I want to talk about. Here, in this
domestic landscape, and how we have adapted and how we express our instincts.Stop making fun of our imaginary dirt as we use our noses to "bury" things. It is instinct... not something we control.
I have given this some thought . [Yes there is a brain behind all these beautiful curls] In this domestic landscape, adaptation is difficult and hiding your chewies is a a very hard task.
One that many four leggeds have abandoned out of complete frustration. Well, today I am going to tackle this topic and hopefully give you some pointers and guidelines.
I am well acquainted with the clean and neat fixation of many two leggeds [no momma, I am not talking about you..nooooo, sneer...] Aside from that reality, the domestic landscape has some serious limitations. Look around. The infinite variety and opportunities presented by the lush outdoor landscape, in a domestic landscape are quite limited by space and functionality. While in a home, the "predators" are fewer, there are still predators. And I am not just talking about other four leggeds. I include in my definition of predators, the mechanical beasties like
frisbee-cat, the sucker-upper [the vacuum cleaner] and its deformed relative cone body, (hand vac) puffy the dragon (steam cleaner) etc etc. And, of course we have to also point out the unintended predator...aka momma on a cleaning binge, or daddy in search of... (half the time he forgets the what, or how, but you can bet on the why always being the same...~~~~~~>momma- she is making him do it.
So given the limitations and constraints offered by the domestic landscape, we are left with a few choices that are pretty standard in every home...Pillows, cushions,bedding, beds, chairs, shoes, slippers, rugs, rug fringes, curtains. Those are obvious places. Expected. No long term safety offered for the chewie. These are places that will do in a pinch, but have a high exposure rate because they are
common.
Let's talk about how, by applying a little creativity you too can expand the opportunities in your own domestic landscape. You need to do this to minimize fights with the likes of JD the possessive, or The Wendy grabber. Trust me, a little thought makes life easier.
Look around. Don't let familiarity fog your eye for opportunity.
By studying my two legged's habits I have developed a whole list of hiding places that are both unexpected and safe. Does your bathroom have a toilet paper storage container? A magazine caddy? A potted plant? :) yes any of those are worth investigating. OCD humans will rarely get to the bottom of that toilet paper storage thingie because they are constantly refilling it. Talk about safe long term storage, we are talking months.... The magazine caddy is a a good medium storage place. and the potted plant... short term, but entirely safe because touching dirt gets you a bath, so nobody will touch it except you, because you know that you can use this safely between waterings, when you do not have ready made mud.
While generally I try to avoid high traffic areas, the bedrooms are bliss in a domestic landscape. Try this, under the sheets at the foot of the bed. You have a week on momma's side. She will be completely unaware because her feet do not reach that far and... the coverlet on top of the bed will "mask" your chewies. Just remember to retrieve them when you see her stripping the bed.
Behind that big lamp that stands next to the fireplace. That is what I call a dead corner. Nobody goes there... :)
How about between the hutch and the wall? It is a narrow area and it takes talent.Just make sure that you don't push it so far you need help to get it...
While everyone expects to find a chewy between the couch pillows, who expects to find one inside the pillow case? Or inside the rolled up "spa" towels by the Jacuzzi? Or under momma's make up table behind the never used waste basket. [she is too OCD to ever use that. She carries her trash out each and every time...]For that matter in that waste basket! Guest rooms are wonderful. One, they are not used daily, two, they are filled with great hiding places and three, they are generally overlooked . Overlooked places are ideal! Like the built in ironing board in my house... Momma hates it.... wonderful safe place for my chewies!
You get the idea. KNOW your human. Adapt to his/her habits. Take advantage of their predictability.
Having said that... here is what I know you MUST avoid. Laundry baskets. They are very high risk. You end up with a soggy wet, odorless chewie that has been washed.... and a screeching human that whines about having to rewash everything... not worth it.
Open dishwashers... same as above, and they whine louder. Corners on the steps... too high traffic. Under furniture. In my house that's a sure way to choke the sucker upper and then everyone will know because as soon as that thing chokes, the world stops until the chewie is dislodged... and thrown out... All with high drama... Avoid momma's closet. NOT worth it. Trust me.
Camera bags... NOT worth it, plus you stuff smells like lens cleaner... forever....
In summary, to succeed in your adaptation, look for unexpected, low traffic, and not subject to constant cleaning. Simple rules.... try them... And look at my best hiding place ... today...
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| Like... who would think of a fake dog having a real chewie? Clever, no? |
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| See? |
So, where is your best hiding place? How creative is your ADAPTATION?
Let me know! Share ideas!!!
'vie
