Stella, an adorable yellow Labrador Retriever, loves to play in leaf piles. Her adventures are regularly documented on social media by her humans, who delight in her curious spirit and playful demeanor. Stella’s most recent adventure involves an adorable puppy playdate consisting of a game of hide-and-seek in a massive pile of leaves.
In a video shared to social media, Stella and a buddy can be seen hiding in a tall pile of leaves with just their faces visible. The pups are sure they’re experts at hiding and stoically freeze like statues as their mom’s car drives by.
@dognamedstellaWhat is even happening? #leafcreepers #stellasleafpiles #labradorks #labrador #dogsofmaine
Stella’s fans jumped into the comment section, offering suggested quotes on what Stella and her pal might be thinking in the video.
“Yeah, that’s right, keep moving,” suggested one.
Another added, “Oh, you saw us. No, you didn’t.”
“Don’t be suspicious,” joked another.
Why dogs love to hide
Stella may not be an expert at hiding, but it is undoubtedly an enjoyable pastime. That’s because dogs have a natural instinct, dating back to their ancestry, that makes them feel safe and secure in enclosed spaces.
A dog’s wild ancestors used dens for safety from predators. That instinct still prevails, making dogs drawn to corners, closets, and even piles of leaves.
Dogs also use small spaces as places to relax and decompress, much like their humans when they need to unwind.
Dogs often hide as a way to seek comfort or play. Sometimes dogs hide when they’re in pain or not feeling well. They also hide to avoid things that make them feel anxious or scared. Lightning storms and vacuum cleaners can send a dog into a cozy corner or small space. Likewise, new people or locations can drive a precious pooch into hiding.
Stella’s clearly comfortable seeking refuge in a neighborhood leaf pile, and her adorable antics are giving social media followers a slice of welcome joy.
