Nice photos, especially the really crisp and clear ones. You really would have a lot of fun with a camera and dedicated macro lens. It's weird how the spiders come out so late in the season, isn't it? You can't even walk through the forest without taking webs to the face this time of year.
As for getting things in focus, the closer you are to your subject, the harder it gets. When things are moving around, as you found out, it's nearly impossible. Did you see the little video I did trying to get a caterpillar dangling from a string into focus?
Any luck with your moster-puppy? Has he stopped murdering his fellow creatures, yet?