I am always on alert when I walk the dogs in the mornings. Mainly because it’s dark and I don’t want to get caught off guard when a critter moves causing the dogs to try and give chase with me as the boat anchor on the other end of the leash. This morning though the dogs started off on high alert as soon as we walked out the door. Charlie with his head high sniffing the air, catching the tantalizing scent of something. Orso had his head cocked, with his ears up and turned forward listening to the predawn noises. As we started off on the walk, Orso and Charlie were straining at the leash, pulling ahead searching the dark for the unknown threat or possible prey. I reined them back closer to me in an effort to avoid having my shoulders dislocated while I searched the dark for movement too. I strained to hear any sounds of a possible threat, but the wind was too strong, blowing the dead leaves and bushes all around, making it impossible for my sorry ears to pick up the sound of any imminent danger.
The dogs were keenly aware that something was out there but not sure where yet, jerking back and forward, working to pick up any clue to find the unknown early morning intruder. Because of their actions, I started imagining what could possibly be out there, watching us. I have a very vivid imagination and being an Underworld and True Blood fan, I came up with all sorts monsters and creatures out there in the dark waiting, watching and tracking us. It was a toss-up between, vampires, werewolves or mountain lions. I also threw in muggers, murderers or the random escapee from the insane asylum. I was able to concoct a pretty good story about a harrowing encounter with a very large mountain lion during the walk. Of course, it all worked out and now I have a pet mountain lion. Not really, but it’s fun to pretend.
Whatever was out there in the dark watching us, moved off because about halfway through the walk, both dogs calmed down and focused on the task at hand, finding the perfect bush to pee on.
A woman's view of hunting...with men 
May have been a skunk, which is often way worse than vampire/zombie/mugger combined.
You’re absolutely right! The aftermath of a skunk encounter is longer and considerably stinkier.