Harbinger ... everything you have already been told echoes my sentiments as well! You cannot be too protective. While we were home visiting last week,
I let Toto fall from my arms on a tile floor!!! I was carrying too many things and thought I had a secure hold on her ... scared me spitless! Fortunately all it did was scare her but I know it could have been much, much worse! We have only let one person [a stranger] hold Toto. We were shopping in PetSmart and Toto was in the cart .... I noticed a really sad looking older lady who kept looking at her. She finally approached us and asked if it was OK to pet her ... we said it was and began a conversation with her. Seems her Yorkie baby of 17 years had died the week before and she said Toto reminded her so much of hers. On impulse, I asked if she would like to hold her and she was soooo grateful. Toto didn't wiggle or anything ... just snuggled in her arms as if she knew. I thought the lady was going to cry but looked so happy. She thanked us and said we would never know how much that meant to her! I said this to say .... go with your instinct! We always scoop Toto up if she's on her leash walking and another dog or child approaches. After we "feel the situation out" we might let her back down to socialize, but it's always better to be safe than sorry! Sounds like you are a very good Dad to Sheila ... you will know what's best!
