I'm so sorry for your loss. I had to recently put down my own furbaby. It's never easy regarless of the situation. They are such a big part of the family. That is a concern about the child in any sense. Hopefully the wild would be more cautious around the scent of man. About the time my first child was toddling in the yard, we put up a fence to help contain, and keep out. Part of it is 4' chain link, and the other 6' solid wood privacy (split rail is more open obviously, our neighbor's split rail is lined with chain link). Obviously if something, or someone, really wanted in badly enough, they would get in regardless. But, I think it's deterient in ways and helps, FWIW. (((hugs))) about the pup.