So Stanley and his friends and family all go to the park when theres a porcupine hidden in a bush and Stanley falls on it and the porcupine stabs him all over his back with its quills
Mark: *Driving* Ah nothing like a nice relaxing day at the park wouldnt you say gang?
Joyce: Definitely hun its just the perfect time to be outside enjoying the fresh air!
Stanley: Yeah! And all my friends are gonna be at the park!
Lionel: Mine too! Its gonna be a concert there with all of us rocking out!
Stanley: This is gonna be the best day ever! Wouldnt you say so Dennis?
Dennis: It definitely seems like its shaping up to be a brilliant day!
Harry: Yeah dude I cant wait to see how many squirrels I can chase around!
Elsie: Im not much of an outside type of cat..
Dennis: You gotta get outside Elsie its not good to be sitting inside all day everyday you need the exercise
Stanley: Plus look how nice today is! You wouldnt wanna miss out on that would you?
Elsie: Hmmm.. I've slept through nicer days.. I think I'll take a nice cat nap at the park..
Stanley: But I have so much planned with you guys! Im sure Harry would love if you played with him right boy?
Harry: Yeah! Come on can we please play together! *Makes puppy eyes* please Elsie…
Elsie: Must.. resist.. ohhhhhh how can I say no to that cute face of yours Harry darn those puppy eyes..
Harry: Yay! So what do you wanna do first Stanley man?
Stanley: I'll tell you when we get over there and we see Lester Marci and Mimi! We have this cool game we planned online!
*They arrive at the park*
Lester: Hi Stanley!
Stanley: Hi guys! You ready to play?
Mimi: Yeah we are! What do we do first?
Marci: I was thinking first we play that game we thought of on the group chat earlier where we throw this football and see if you can catch it and then the others chase whoever has it and tries to take it!
Harry: Sounds fun dudette! How do we win?
Marci: In order to get points you have to run from wherever you got the ball all the way to… uhhhhhhh that tree right over there! And whoever has the most points at the end wins!
Lester: I bet im gonna win!
Stanley: Nuh uh I bet I will!
Marci: Guys we all know im the sports master around here so we all know who the real winner's gonna be!
Elsie: You're on everyone!
Mimi: Wait Elsie you're gonna play?
Elsie: Yeah? Is that ok?
Marci: Of course it is! Just.. usually you're asleep *Giggling with Mimi* we should call you a couch catato!
Harry: *Laughing* Oh thats a good one Marci! Catato! How'd you come up with that! Hahahah!
Elsie: Very funny…
Dennis: *Trying not to laugh* W-well you do sleep quite a lot Elsie..
Elsie: Yes im well aware- but Harry sleeps a lot too maybe he can be the couch podogo hahaha!
Harry: Yeah! We should call Harry that- wait.. im Harry! Thats not nice! :(
Elsie: Im just stating what I see hehe
Dennis: *Resisting the urge to laugh* Ok knock it off guys lets not name call.. even if it is rather funny-
Stanley: Whos ready to play!
Everyone: Me!
Marci: I'll throw the ball first! Be warned im a very strong thrower!
Stanley: And im a very fast runner!
Marci: Annnnnd.. go long! *Throws football and everyone runs after it*
Harry: *Catches* I got it dudes! I got it! *Runs*
Mimi: Not for long you do! *Catches Harry and the ball comes out of his mouth*
Harry: Aw man..
Mimi: *Runs as fast as she can* No one's ever gonna catch me!
Stanley: Oh yeah? *Pops out in front of her and takes the ball*
Mimi: Hey! Im gonna get you Stanley! *Chases him*
Stanley: Nuh uh! Im super fast! Watch this! *Picks up the speed* im as fast as a cheetah!
Dennis: Go Stanley!
Stanley: I am Dennis! I am! *Running as fast as he can*
Dennis: *Gets microphone and acts as the announcer* And Stanley has the football in hand! Hes running fast like a cheetah but will it be enough to make it over to the tree?
Marci: Not if I have anything to say about it! *Tackles Stanley*
Stanley: Agh-
Dennis: Ohhhh it looks like Stanley has lost the ball! Who will get it now!
Elsie: *Picks up and starts running*
Dennis: Elsie has the ball shes running as fast as she can! Dodging everyone in her path! Being small has its advantages wouldnt you say so?
Harry: *Jumpscares her* Boo!
Elsie: AHHHHH- *Accidentally tosses ball into the air* hey no fair!
Dennis: It seems Harry has scared Elsie and the ball is now up for grabs! This is quite the intense game folks stay tuned for who will get the ball!
Lester: I got it! I got it!
Stanley: Now to jump as high as a frog! *Jumps high and grabs the ball the tree that is the end point has a bush with a porcupine in it*
Porcupine: *Senses a threat and shows off its quills*
Stanley: I got it! I win- *Lands on the porcupine*
Dennis: And Stanley sticks the landing! Thats one win for-
Stanley: AHHHHHHHHHH *Screaming in pain from the porcupine*
Dennis: Uh oh.. that doesnt sound good..
Lionel: *Playing guitar* This new song of mine is gonna be a hit! The dudes are gonna love it- *Hears screaming and takes off headphones* What was that noise?
Harry: What was that?
Elsie: It sounded like Stanley! We gotta check on him!
Marci: Stanley are you ok?!
Stanley: *Runs out of the bush* No im not ok! I got stabbed really badly on my back!
Lester: What are those thorns all over your back?
Stanley: I dont know but it hurts really bad!
Harry: Here dude I'll get em off of you! *Tries pulling on the spikes*
Stanley: Ow Harry!
Elsie: You're being too rough Harry let me do it *Tries to pull but it doesnt help either*
Stanley: Guys stop! Im just gonna get mom and dad! Mom! Dad! *Runs over to them and bumps into Lionel*
Lionel: Hey Stanley watch where you're- woah what happened to you? And was that you screaming?
Stanley: Yes it was and I dont know what happened! I was playing with my friends and I jumped to catch the football then I landed in that bush over there and something stabbed me all over my back and now I have these spikes all over me and it really hurts!
Lionel: Thats odd- what even has spikes over there?
Stanley: I dont know maybe a monster or something! Just get mom and dad!
Lionel: Ok ok- its not a monster though I'll assure you that- Mom! Dad!
Mark: Whats going on?
Joyce: Oh my gosh Stanley! What happened!
Lionel: Stanley apparently jumped into that bush over there and something stabbed him and put spikes all over him
Mark: Spikes? What could possibly have spikes over there?
Lionel: Thats what I said-
Joyce: I dont know- but im more worried about getting these spikes off of Stanley!
Lionel: Here hold still little bro *Tries to take them out along with his parents*
Stanley: OWWWWWWW OW THIS REALLY HURTS!
Mark: Wow thats a lot of spikes- you sure you're ok Stanley?
Stanley: Yeah- well.. no.. I dont know.. it just really hurts..
*After a while of pulling out quills*
Mark: *Pulls out* That should be the last one. Do you feel any better?
Stanley: Kinda but it still hurts really really bad..
Joyce: Why dont you sit on the bench I'll go see if I have anything to help heal your back
Stanley: Ok.. *Sits and puts back against bench* ow!
Elsie: Stanley dear dont put any pressure on your back it'll only hurt it more!
Stanley: Yeah I know.. I'll just sit up like this
Harry: Poor Stanley.. *Puts head on his lap* I hate whatever meanie did this to my boy..
Stanley: I dont even know what it was that stabbed me either!
Dennis: Well it sure put a lot of thorns or spikes on your back..
Stanley: Yeah and even with them gone it still hurts..
Mimi: Hey Stanley..
Stanley: Oh hi guys..
Lester: You doing alright?
Stanley: Kind of..
Marci: We saw what stabbed you Stanley it was some grey spiky animal
Stanley: A spiky animal?
Mimi: Yeah it made these cute little noises!
Lester: But it also looked really pokey! I tried to pet it and I got poked on my hand!
Elsie: Is that it over there? *Points to porcupine sticking head out of bush before going back in it*
Marci: Yeah thats the one!
Harry: Hold on I gotta get a closer look! Give me the Stanoscope!
Stanley: Alright *Gives Harry the Stanoscope*
Harry: *Looks through it and sees the porcupine* Thats one spiky animal dude! I wonder what it is-
Dennis: *Looks at Stanoscope* Oh I know what that is its a porcupine!
Stanley: A porcu what?
Dennis: A porcupine! Its a type of rodent who has all sorts of quills all over its back! And thats what you landed on Stanley
Mimi: I didnt know those were spikes I thought that was just part of its fur
Stanley: No better time to learn about them and why they stab people I guess.. *Tries to get the book but his back hurts him as he reaches for it* time to look in the great- ow! big- ow! book of- ouch! everything..
Harry: Here I'll get it for you dude! *Carries and gives to him*
Stanley: Thanks Harry.. *Pets him* now lets go into the great big book of everything to learn about porcupines
Dennis: Good thinking Stanley! Learning about animals like this gives you a better understanding on what to do next time they act aggressively-
Harry and Elsie: ITSSSSSSSSSS THEEEEEEEEE… great big book of everything with everything inside! See the world around us! This book's the perfect guide!
Dennis: Agh! Your singing is making me feel like my ears were stabbed by a porcupine!
Harry and Elsie: Lets all gather around in line to learn about the porcupineeeeeeeeee!
Stanley: Porcupine.. puh puh that starts with P! P! *Turns book to porcupine*
Lester: Hey that one looks different from the one we saw by the tree *Points at an old world porcupine picture*
Mimi: Yeah it looked more like that one *Points to the new world porcupine picture*
Dennis: There are actually 2 different families of porcupines the old world porcupine and the new world porcupine
Stanley: Whats the difference between them?
Dennis: There are MANY differences between the 2 families for instance old world porcupines live in Europe Africa and Asia while new world porcupines live in North and South America and old world porcupines have longer more noticeable quills than a new world porcupine where theirs look more like really spiky fur than quills
Elsie: Yes and I hear they are nocturnal! Which means-
Harry: Oh I know! It means they're awake at night and sleep during the day!
Elsie: You dont have to interrupt me Harry- but you're right so I cant be mad.. *Scratches behind his ear with her claw*
Harry: Yes right there! Thats the itchy spot! *Panting and howling*
Dennis: Yes indeed however not all porcupines are nocturnal
Marci: So some sleep during the night like us?
Dennis: Old world porcupines are strictly nocturnal whereas new world ones like the one you saw in the bush can be nocturnal but also some can be diurnal
Stanley: Diurnal?
Dennis: Thats the opposite of nocturnal
Harry: So that means you sleep during the night and wake up during the day like us right?
Dennis: Precisely! Some only wake up during the day if they're migrating which means moving from one place to another and some even sleep the whole day and only wake up for a snack before going right back to bed
Marci: Like Harry and Elsie!
Elsie: I dont sleep all day everyday! Only once a week..
Harry: But napping all day is pretty cool!
Elsie: It very much is its my favorite part of the day..
Lester: But where do porcupines live? Do they live in bushes?
Dennis: Some can but they mostly live in trees but they can also live in crevices of rocks or dens or logs
Harry: Why cant they find a nice house to stay in like us?
Elsie: Dont be silly Harry they live in those places so that they can stay warmer while also having somewhere that fits! Its not too big or small for them!
Dennis: Shes right and they are able to withstand any sort of climate thrown their way!
Mimi: What does climate mean?
Dennis: Climate is another term for the weather and certain aspects of it like for instance today is nice and warm which indicates a warmer climate *Spins around* lets practice with climate shall we? Which do you think has the coldest climate? Florida? Wisconsin? Or Virginia where we live?
Stanley: Thats a tough one..
Harry: Well isnt Florida the really hot place?
Lester: Yeah its really hot in Florida! I remember when I visited my grandparents there for Christmas last year it didnt snow at all!
Elsie: Yeah and we dont get a lot of snow each year and it typically is pretty warm around here..
Mimi: Oh I know what it is! We have family up in Wisconsin and its very cold there! So its gotta be Wisconsin right Dennis?
Dennis: Correct Mimi! And if any of you at home guessed Wisconsin good job! Porcupines can survive all 3 types of climates and others like it!
Marci: Well what do they eat to survive doesnt winter affect the food?
Dennis: Porcupines tend to mostly eat plants
Stanley: So they're herbivores?
Dennis: Yes though new world porcupines tend to eat fruits vegetables and insects too
Harry: Do they eat meat like me?
Dennis: No they dont
Harry: Hm they dont know what they're missing..
Dennis: They dont eat meat but they do chew on bones to sharpen their teeth
Harry: Oh cool! I should give it one of my bones!
Elsie: I wouldnt provoke it Harry so you dont get poked like Stanley did..
Dennis: Which brings me to my next topic the quills of a porcupine
Marci: *Reading* Woah they have 30,000 quills at a time?!
Stanley: Thats a LOT of quills!
Dennis: Yes and they dont just poke anybody for fun. Much like skunks with their spray and bees with their stinger a porcupine's quills are meant to be used for self defense and usually they give a warning sign by puffing up and showing off their quills upright before attacking predators like a pufferfish
Elsie: Yeah and you best be careful around them guys since they can shoot quills out their backs!
Dennis: Thats a common myth but they actually cant shoot out their quills at predators
Elsie: Oh- so then how do they attack?
Dennis: They charge at the opponent and stab them with their quills or they will swing their tails at the predator which are also covered in quills they really hurt if you arent careful-
Lester: They sound like they really pack a punch!
Stanley: No kidding.. and if by punch you mean stab my entire back with its quills then yes they do
Harry: Let me try something Stanley dude! My mom did this when I was hurt! *Licks Stanley's back*
Stanley: Hehehe Harry that tickles!
Dennis: That may work for dogs but I dont think that works with humans who have been stabbed by a porcupine
Harry: Oh.. well worth a try right?
Stanley: So the porcupine only stabbed me because it got scared?
Dennis: It was acting in self defense as it didnt know what was coming its not your fault they just have many predators such as fishers owls martens and bobcats
Harry: Fishers? Why would they be fishing for porcupines if they arent fish?
Mimi: Yeah thats weird why would they wanna fish for porcupines?
Stanley: And I dont even think porcupines swim do they Dennis?
Elsie: Guys he doesnt mean fishers as in the type of people who catch fish he means fishers as in- ummmmm..
Dennis: What I mean by fishers is-
Elsie: No no I dont need help Dennis I know what you mean
Dennis: Then what do I mean Elsie?
Elsie: Ummmmm.. fishers in this case are.. a type of.. sea otter?
Dennis: Nope fishers are a relative of the weasel family and have grown to become unharmed from porcupines quills
Elsie: Darn it.. I was kinda close wasnt I?
Harry: Good answer dudette! You were super close!
Dennis: Right.. and as for the swimming part they are actually very good swimmers!
Stanley: They are?
Dennis: Indeed they are! Their quills are hollow so they fill up with air while they paddle like dogs in the water to stay afloat
Harry: But what happens if they lose those spiky things on their backs?
Dennis: If they lose their quills it wont stay gone forever it'll regrow eventually! If they attack a predator with their quills they typically run away after they do and let said predator take out the quills
Mimi: What else do porcupines do that we should be aware of?
Harry: I hear they hyperfixate like bears do!
Elsie: You mean hibernate?
Harry: Yeah hibernate! Thats so cool you just eat a bunch of food then go to sleep all winter!
Elsie: I bet thats your version of heaven isnt it Harry..
Harry: Thats yours too Elsie!
Elsie: Not the eating part at least.. but being awake does have its benefits like being able to see you clear and bright as day all the time
Harry: Im not that bright though
Elsie: Trust me I know..
Dennis: Thats a popular belief Harry but in fact porcupines do not hibernate at all! They're awake all year round!
Stanley: Those are neat facts Dennis! Porcupines sound cool but I wouldnt wanna be near one..
Elsie: Dont worry Stanley they sound like nice gentle creatures if you dont provoke them!
Dennis: If you leave them alone they wont attack you like with most other animals! Some people even keep porcupines as pets
Lester: They do? I want one!
Stanley: I dont know if that sounds like a good idea
Dennis: It depends on the person and where you live
Lester: Oh.. well if I had one I'd name it Teddy because they seem really soft like a teddy bear!
Marci: But Lester you'd get really hurt if you tried to hug it!
Lester: I know..
Stanley: Well outside the stabbing porcupines sound awesome!
Mimi: You should have heard it Stanley it made the cutest little noises while sleeping! *Mimics sound of a porcupine*
Stanley: Awwww!
Harry: Sounds kinda like Elsie mewing in her sleep!
Elsie: It does?
Harry: Yeah! And its adorable just like you are!
Elsie: Heh you're one to talk about cute mister.. you and your Little Dude plushie..
Harry: You sleep with it too cause hes always between us!
Elsie: Hmmm you're right.. but you're still cute Harry
Harry: Dont sell yourself short sis because you're the cute one around here!
Elsie: Hehehe no you are! *Blushing under her fur*
Dennis: You're both cute in your own ways guys no need to fight!
Elsie: Oh we arent fighting Harry's just being a charmer.. of course I already know im cute and pretty but.. its nice to hear it from someone I love
Harry: I may not be very smart but im not blind anyone can see how cute you are!
Dennis: *To the camera* These guys can get very sappy at times.. are you like this with your best friend too? I hope you love each other as much as Harry and Elsie do! Just make sure you both dont get stabbed by any porcupines hehe
Stanley: And as much as I love you Dennis!
Dennis: The feeling's mutual Stanley! But lets save the sappiness for a later time guys because Mrs Griff is coming back
Joyce: Im back! I got something to soothe your back
Mark: How are you hanging champ? Your back doing any better?
Stanley: Yeah! Still kinda hurts but not as bad as earlier
Joyce: Thats great sweetie! *Puts the back pain reliever on him*
Stanley: Can I get back to playing with my friends?
Joyce: Once you feel like your back wont hurt you while doing it then fine by me!
Stanley: Alright! Hey you wanna hear what I learned about porcupines?
Mark: Porcupines?
Stanley: Yeah Dennis said thats what put those spikes all over me it was hiding in the bush I landed in
Joyce: Dennis said that to you?
Stanley: Yeah he did! Then I went through the great big book of everything and learned all about porcupines like for instance did you know porcupines are nocturnal!
Marci: That means they're awake at night and asleep during the day like the one in the bush was!
Stanley: And they're also- *Talking about porcupines with everyone*
*Back at home at night*
Dennis: Well that was certainly an interesting day at the park wasnt it?
Stanley: It was very fun even Lionel joined in on our game after my accident!
Elsie: Speaking of which hows your back doing after the porcupine attack?
Stanley: A lot better! Still a little sore though..
Harry: Dont sweat it dude im sure the pain will be gone by tomorrow!
Stanley: Thats what im hoping too- but we did learn a lot about the little guys!
Dennis: Yes we did like how they are nocturnal and have over 30,000 quills on their body!
Stanley: But some of them sleep all day in a tree and only wake up to migrate or move somewhere else with other porcupines
Harry: And that they are herbivores and eat only plants! And sharpen their teeth with bones!
Elsie: And that they can swim really well and regrow their quills after attacking!
Harry: Which usually they give a warning sign too! But I'll tell you what doesnt come with a warning! *Starts licking Elsie*
Elsie: Hahahaha Harry stop that tickles! *Giggling*
Harry: Why should I stop? You're MY best friend after all! But dont worry I dont stab people like a porcupine!
Stanley: *Hugs Dennis's tank* And thats exactly how I feel about you Dennis.. you're MY best friend too..
Dennis: *Blushing* Hehe thank you Stanley.. but I hope that doesnt mean you'll start licking me
Stanley: Haha no of course not! Im not a dog!
Elsie: Im serious Harry stop please hahaha!
Harry: Ok ok doggy kiss time is over! *Yawns and lays down* I'll have plenty for you tomorrow
Elsie: *Curls up next to him* Hmm I thought you said the doggy kisses have no warnings..
Harry: Oh yeah-
Elsie: Hehe its ok Harry I'll be ready for it.. your lovins are just as good as mine are.. *Puts Little Dude plush in between them* good night guys..
Harry: Sleep tight dudes!
Stanley: And dont let the bed bugs bite! Good night everyone..
Dennis: Good night porcupine boy Stanley.. and good night Harry the great dog brother and Elsie the splendid cat sister..
Harry: And dont forget Little Dude too! *Gestures to the plush*
Dennis: Heh yes of course how could I forget! Good night to you too Little Dude..