Hi Teresa - I agree with you, and guess what? my mother was just the same, no chemicals allowed in the garden, I used to think she was nuts, now I am obsessively into wildlife gardening, ecological balance, etc (apart from the pigeons - what is it that you grow that keeps them busy, because I am fed up with them terrorising all the other birds on the bird table?)
Your story about your dog made me laugh, because if you think a little terrier causes trouble, you should see what a golden retriever on the rampage can do. Ours is now in her dotage, but recently she saw the neighbour's cat, had a sudden fit of enthusiasm, threw herself into the air, landed awkwardly and limped for the rest of the afternoon. Just as I was thinking about the size of the forthcoming vet's bill, she recovered, thank goodness. A friend has recently acquired a Brittany terrier, he is a nightmare, tears around her garden ripping everything to shreds, very hyper - even though she takes him for long walks daily and to two training classes a week. Think I will avoid the puppy stage next time and go for a "rescued" OAP.