Good luck. I know how frustrating it can be. The raccoons had totally killed everything in my big pond. Not a plant or even a dragonfly larva or water beetle left. I was ready to fill mine in and plant more blueberries. Having a water feature is a joy for me too, and now can't imagine not having one. I have several different ones that are small throughout the yard.
This little one only has water lily and dragon fly larva and isn't bothered. It is just a sunken plastic planter. I also have a plastic liner pond that is small enough to cover with a wooden framed fine wire mesh and anchored with about a dozen 12-14" tent/gazebo stakes. Not pretty but it seems to work.
pot pond in front yard isn't bothered
Wood metal cover and side wire cover removed for garden party
pond the wire structure usually covers.
pot pond in front yard isn't bothered
pond the wire structure usually covers.
