Wild creatures and strayed pets see hollow logs, building over-hangs or even the lea side of a tree as a place to hide away from the elements. Humans may think of houses or apartment buildings as shelter for themselves, a barn or shed as shelter for their animals or machinery.

Shelters keep off the elements, but they also shield us from prying eyes. They provide a safe place to store belongings. We even speak of “tax shelters” as a way of protecting our earnings from excess contributions to our government. 

But the place we live is more than that. It is also a statement about ourselves — about our income level, our personal taste and social standing. The home owner who keeps a tidy lawn, and displays a variety of ornaments in his garden is making a public statement. So is the shade-tree mechanic who decorates his lawn –or weed patch– with an assortment of automobile carcasses and car parts.

Physically and emotionally, shelter is essential to human well-being. For some people it may be something as simple as a lean-to shanty; others may require a structure as ostentatious as a castle. Some people can make their own; others hire or rent the expertise of others to develop the essential envelope that holds off the elements and contains their personal belongings.

Homes can be damaged, lost to financial difficulties or outgrown. Change brings emotional responses to the humans and to any animals associated with them. In our modern world, shelter has become a complex structure involving water, power and communication systems to enable our lifestyles.

Large or small, complex or simple, all creatures need shelter.