Thanks for the information, and I know many of us are paranoid over this, but I think it depends where you live. We live by a lake in Arizona, and I can often see hawks flying above. I took the following from Dog Owner's Guide:
http://www.canismajor.com/dog/wildlife.html
"Great horned owls and large hawks can pose a danger to small dogs and young puppies. Although stories of predation on dogs are rare, some attacks have been recorded."
So both your expert and this link agree attacks are rare, I still don't feel I should leave my dog out alone. In another part of town, I wouldn't be as worried. After all, hawks eat rodents to survive.
Nancy