It's one of the stinkhorn fungus, of the species Clathrus. I'm surprised that you didn't mention an odor associated with this thing. That slimy stuff is the stinkhorn goo, which typically smells to high heaven.

These are saprophytic organisms, harmless to your lawn, plants, etc. All of the stinkhorns emerge from what looks like white 'eggs'. Do you happen to see any of those in your mulch, plant beds, or lawn?

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:616220}}

Thanks, rhizo_1, you have put my mind at ease. As a matter of fact, we did notice an odor, but since one of our dogs (St. Bernards) had just been out, we thought it was something she left behind...*s*...and thank you for the picture link. Seeing the white egg sacks in the picture, I remember seeing them occasionally in our yard. I just never saw them "hatch"....thanks again.

Wow, I'm just finding these things all over my lawn here in Central Florida and was wondering what they were. So they won't harm the dog? She investigates everything new and feels the need to sample.

I didn't say anything about these fungi being edible. Some are toxic. The edibility of many stinkhorns are, for obvious reasons, unknown. I would certainly remove them from the yard if you have a pet who would actually eat one of these things!!!