A Dog's Life

In the book, sheds symbolize safety, comfort, and pleasant family memories. Since the shed on the Merrions’ land is Squirrel’s first home, she associates every shed with the warmth, love, and protection of her early puppy days: “In our shed I had felt safe, protected from the likes of Mine or coyotes” (61). As a puppy, she had a content, sheltered life with Mother, Bone, and companions like Matthias. Therefore, sheds remain a symbol of safety, warmth, and refuge. Squirrel routinely seeks this feeling of security in the form of sheds. For example, she tries to get inside many sheds (or barns) during her lifetime: “I wanted to be warm and dry. Through the blowing fog I thought I could see a shed. […] I trotted toward it, Moon at my heels” (71). Squirrel perceives this type of shelter as inherently good because she has only pleasant associations with it.

The text uses the word “shed” 155 times, highlighting its symbolic importance. Sheds continuously represent protection, shelter, comfort, and well-being. Of the numerous sheds that Squirrel stays in, none are the site of anything negative. She experiences only a reliable source of safety.