I noticed in the second entry for the etymology of the word ‘pen’ (signifying ‘enclosure’), it stated it was of unknown origin. The original meaning of ‘pen’ was feather or plume from a wing. An angel’s wings often symbolized protection or guidance. I believe it would be logical to say the origin of the second meaning of ‘pen’ comes from an angel’s wings. An enclosure offered protection for animals.
Middle English pentis, shortening of Old French apentis, based on late Latin appendicium ‘appendage’, from Latin appendere ‘hang on’. The change of form in the 16th century was by association with French pente ‘slope’
An animal shelter usually has a sloping roof (pente, used in pendant and pending, hanging). or in another way, a shelter is an appendix to a house, those are my suggestions.
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Any idea where ‘pen’ in pente, apentis, and appendix comes from? I still think pen could derive from ‘wing of an angel’.