[Ohiogirl]

I vote for either of the two possibilities mentioned before - racoons or waterpipes. If you've been gone and your water has been turned off, maybe there are air bubbles, or whatever sometimes makes those noises? Any plumbers in the audience? Usually, though, I only hear them after I have been using the sink or something. Doesn't sound like you were doing that.

Also, I used to live in an older condo, and my next door neighbors (on both sides) had racoons in their attics. Don't know how I got so lucky as to avoid it.

I heard the racoon once when I was visiting. Sounded exactly like your dog, scratching behind his ear (thumping his (elbow? knee?) on the ceiling. What do you call that joint on an animal?

Personally, I'd almost be afraid to check via the attic stairs. Might have a heart attack, fall off the stairs, and it would be all over. Seems like you should be able to see some outside evidence with a careful look.

Last December, my girlfriend and I were in my villa for a short visit, had left front and garage door open while unloading the car, and while we were at the table eating dinner, saw a mouse run from the MBR to the lanai door (which was closed) and back into the bedroom. That was bad enough. Ended well enough (for us, not for the mouse), but eek!