Kitten Caboodle

They existed peacefully in unison, in balanced harmony with inclusive nature, enjoying the modest bounty of the land with humble reckoning and agile foresight.

Their species had known these comforts since time immemorial and everlasting, when a bold and crafty constructive divinity cleverly thought of a newfound plan.

He noted that the expansive landscape hadn't changed much in recent centuries, and thought that if one of his creatures had cultivating powers the resultant wilderness would be more dynamic. 

In consultation with the chosen ones he clearly explained his wondrous plan, that they should henceforth build abundant dams with natural materials across the land. 

Many of the chosen animals had requisite questions in curious response, the inquisitive characteristics of their postures respectfully admired by their master.

He laid out the efficient plan in erudite detail with effective musing, taking into animate account regional differences and personality conflicts.

Yet even though the plan seemed fine and in fact brilliant from many perspectives, there were still those amongst them who thought it foolhardy and supercilious. 

They complained of the extra work and how it would conflict with nutrient acquisition, and lazing about in the hot sun on warm summer days ad infinitum.

The others pointed out that dam construction would ensure food throughout the winter, and the nearby lodge a place to stay that couldn't be accessed by wolves or bobcats.

Still they refused to believe longing to keep to the olden ways, and struggle if needs be from month to month and day to day.

And the divinity became fed up and indeed supernaturally decreed, that the species would be separated into different groups forever after.

The beavers would have a special tail and be given the miraculous gift, to venture forth throughout the land constructing dams for all and sundry.

The muskrats would keep the tail of a rat and never change throughout the centuries, in close resemblance to their ancient brethren yet less industrious over the millennia.

I always thought beavers got the idea to build dams and lodges from watching birds build nests. Isn't that true dad?

It might be little Timmy. Although I must admit, I really can't say.  

Mèche Blanche, les aventures du petit castor (White Tuft, The Little Beaver)

After a furious current deposits him far away from the safety of his mother's lodge, Mèche Blanche, the little beaver, must find his way home. Lost in the wild with little knowledge of the necessary survival skills, Mèche Blanche scavenges and scurries his way through the forest, agilely avoiding a hungry pack of wolves, until he finds refuge with a grumpy old beaver. Meanwhile, back at the dam, Mèche Blanche's mother and sister hold down the fort while conducting a search and outwitting a scurrilous otter. Bears, lynx, raccoons, owls, porcupines, skunks, snakes, frogs and squirrels round out the cast as these beavers go about their business of beavering. Some may find it odd that Mèche Blanche couldn't fight harder against the current which deposits him so far away, or that a bear would cross a narrow beaver dam when it could simply swim past, but it's best not to question the designs of this legend for they bravely define a young hero's strength building quest, as he struggles against the odds and contends with adversity. Friendships are made, tests are passed, hardships endured, and mischievousness managed, as the courageous Mèche Blanche learns what it means to beaver.