You probably already know this, and I saw that your doggie didn't go out, but just in case (b/c I had no idea til about a month or so ago)...raccoons can kill a dog
. I mean, I knew they could be mean and aggressive and possibly hurt a small dog, but we were going to a concert awhile back and my friends were here from Washington and their son called up (he's got a Jack Russell who isn't exceptionally bright I guess) terrified that his dog had been killed by a raccoon under the house when he ran under after one....about an hour or so later, he called his parents back and had found the dog, unharmed but another friend who was with us said that she hadn't wanted to say anything at the time, but her friend's dog had just recently been killed by one.
I know that if Max was out and one came around, he'd be beside himself trying to go after it (like it sounds like your Jen was), so I try to make sure I see whatever it is outside (we've got bunnies) before I let him out. Scary! But they ARE good little watchdogs, aren't they???