A woman in London experienced a surprising moment when she discovered her dog, Summer, a 18-month-old Cavapoo, nestled in an unexpected hideaway. After searching for over 30 minutes, Sindy Smart, 38, found her beloved pet not lounging on the bed, but comfortably settled inside a makeshift cardboard house in her son’s room.
The cardboard creation was a collaborative effort by her children, aged 11 and 13, who had been playing with the box earlier that day. Unbeknownst to Smart, they had cut a window into the box and added Summer’s blanket, transforming it into a cozy retreat. The delightful scene was captured in a video shared on TikTok on December 7, 2023, which has since garnered nearly 69,000 views.
Users on social media praised the children’s creativity, with one commenter highlighting the thoughtful design: “Detached house, window and next to a radiator with a blanket—what’s not to love?” Smart responded, acknowledging her son’s ingenuity: “He thought about everything.” Another user admired the setup, saying, “Clever kid— that’s a great house,” while others noted that the space appeared warm and inviting for Summer.
Cardboard Enrichment for Dogs
While Summer likely has an array of toys at her disposal, it is well-known that many pets are drawn to cardboard boxes. The American Kennel Club (AKC) indicates that such items can serve as low-cost enrichment tools, helping to keep dogs mentally stimulated indoors. Creative ideas include DIY puzzle toys made from common household items.
One suggested activity involves creating a toilet tube dispenser. Pet owners can stuff empty toilet paper tubes with soft treats such as peanut butter or cream cheese, then fold the ends or freeze the tube for added challenge. Alternatively, a box with treat-sized holes can encourage dogs to toss it around to release kibble.
Another engaging option is the muffin tin shell game, where treats are hidden under balls in muffin cups. This game can be adjusted for difficulty, starting with uncovered cups and gradually increasing the challenge. A shoebox hide-and-seek game can also be set up, where one or more boxes are baited with treats for dogs to find.
Despite the fun, pet owners should be cautious. While Summer seems content in her cardboard dwelling, it is important to note that some dogs may be tempted to chew on the material. Although cardboard is considered non-toxic, ingestion can result in serious health risks, including gastric or intestinal blockages.
According to the dog-walking website Wag!, symptoms of blockage may include vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, fever above 103°F (39.4°C), refusal to eat or drink, and signs of abdominal pain, such as restlessness or whining. If any of these symptoms are observed, it is crucial to seek veterinary care promptly to ensure the dog’s well-being.
In this instance, Summer appears to have found her ideal hideaway, enjoying the warmth and security of her new cardboard home, much to the delight of her family.
