So, this morning while on our walk, Scout and I encountered our first tarantula.
This was actually a small tarantula, perhaps just 3" across from toe to toe. (Do tarantulas have toes?) Later, we saw a second small one which walked within 2' of my foot. They're actually quite graceful, but I don't think I'd want to get any closer than those 2'. Scout was quite intrigued but obeyed a "leave it" command like the intelligent dog he is.
So far, none in the house but certainly a plethora of various other spiders and bugs. Yuck.