In the May 2009 issue of Downhome, Lin Crosbie Marshall takes a look at cobby houses (also called "copy" or "coopy" houses), structures that were once commonly used as playhouses for children in this province.

But the McAuley family's cobby house, built about 50 years ago in western Newfoundland, was used for more than just child's play. When Karen (McAuley) Matthews' father found a young seal abandoned on a beach near their home, the cobby house was filled halfway with snow and voila! It was transformed into a home fit for a seal.

Click here to watch a video (shot in 1965) of the McAuley family's seal, which they eventually set free - much to the dismay of the children, who fancied it a pet. (Note: This video has no sound.)