Hawks are bold and they take dogs all the time. When you see "dog missing" posters up at certain times of the year the vets will tell you it's hawk season and the hawks got them.
I NEVER let mine out in the yard unless they are on a leash and I am constantly watching the sky. We don't have many around but I have seen them and I have read so many stories that I am paranoid!!!!
People don't expect a hawk to be able to carry off a dog, but they do and even when they miss and you get the dog back it usually has a broken back due to the strength of their talons. They are powerful animals and definitely predators of our little dogs.
I am glad this story has a happy ending...I always cringe when I hear people say that they let their dogs out in their yards or have doggie doors that lead to uncovered areas outside. I always assume that they live in areas not populated by birds of prey.
Owls are another bird that preys on small dogs.
