Pepe Le Pew and Other Scary Animals

For the last few weeks, we have been sharing our neighborhood with a lovely skunk. For awhile, we were catching a whiff of Pepe Le Pew on a nightly basis. Instead of cool, fresh air floating into our home, we were experiencing some not-so-pleasant fragrances when we dared to open our windows.

Now that the sun disappears earlier, when we are still likely to be out for walks, we have mentioned that we need to watch out for Mr. Skunk. Last week, when we returned from our friend's book group a few doors down, we made sure to walk through well-populated, well-lit areas just to make sure we didn't meet the neighborhood's newest resident. Fortunately, we made it back to our place safe, sound, and still smelling sweet.

I barely considered a run-in with the skunk when I suggested we walk to the library this past Monday night. But as soon as I was spooked by a wayward cat, I thought about that other furry creature. Still, we continued on our way. As we crossed a street, we saw something scurry across the road and across our path. The headlights from the traffic gave enough light for us to see that this animal was not another cat--it was Pepe Le Pew himself!

I began freaking out (mind you, he was still a safe distance away). When Dave suggested we cross to the other side of the road, I refused. All I could say was, "Let's just take the car! Let's just take the car!" Dave had never seen me in such a panic, and he started laughing at me! Finally, he gave in, and we walked back to our car so he could drive us the 5 blocks to the library. My heart was still pounding as we walked in.

I never thought a skunk would scare me like that, but the last time I was that spooked by an animal was when I was 4 or 5 years old and our neighbor's little dog got loose and chased me down the street. I guess I'll be adding skunks to the list of animals that put me in panic mode. It will join ladybugs (ladybirds for my Scottish friends) and anything with the ability to sting me.

Which animal are you most afraid of?