Janis Jaquith
janis@radioessays.com
237 words

Fox Haven, Fox Chase, Fox Run, Cross Fox.

You've seen these signs, haven't you? Why do all these ritzy estates have "fox" in their names? It sounds like the fox is some kind of aristocratic animal.

I picture a fox wearing Italian loafers and a Rolex watch, his manicured little paws on the steering wheel of a Range Rover, looking smug.

Let's blame the English for this. Or the rich, idle English. They started the tradition of galloping through the countryside, scaring the bejeebers out of foxes.

A more appropriate animal to honor in this way would be the possum. After all, possums provided sustenance to early settlers. And they were cooperative prey. You didn't need any horses to catch one, that's for sure.

The possum is more of a democratic animal. I picture a possum behind the wheel of an old pickup truck, some well-earned dirt under his claws. And of course, the kids are always along for the ride.

So, you think the owners of these estates would go for it? Possum Haven, Possum Chase, Possum Run, Cross Possum.

Just this morning I passed a sign at the end of a long driveway. The sign said, "Dogpatch."

I don't know who lives there, but I'm pretty sure I'd like those people.