If so, wasn't
the owner watching? If NOT, then how in the heck?
(Not being sarcastic...seriously, but if a dog was
on a leash near a human, I don't imagine a hawk
would get too terribly close)

Well, for one thing, it doesn't sound like these particular hawks are 100%
wild.
And I know of a case in FL where a hawk swooped down on, grabbed, and TOOK
OFF with a Rat Terrier on a Flexilead. The owner was able to pull them down,
and beat off the bird.

On a bit of a side note, a family of hawks nests in the woods adjacent to
our agility classes. On several occasions, both Debi and I have seen them
come low and circle over small dogs, then lift away again when they realise
there are humans near. On one occasion, when a Chihuahua was in a class,
Debi said the bird circled for an extended period of time, apparently
waiting for an opportunity. (She made a point of staying near the dog and
keeping half an eye on the hawk.)


--
Sarah
Brenin, CGC, AD, O-EAC-V, O-EJC-V, EGC
Gwydion, Handy Cat
Morag Thistledown, Novice Triple Superior, S-OAC, S-OJC, O-OGC, EJC
Robyn Meezer, Inspector of Human Activity
Rocsi Cadarn, S-NJC, NAC, NGTG, OGTG

we can be seen at: http://photos.yahoo.com/amberdogs1
and http://photos.yahoo.com/amberdogs2