Insect and Spider Identification: Please tell me if this guy is harmful?, 1 by WiccanMommy

WiccanMommy wrote:
Actually, I have 3 of these guys living here. The keep to themselves, mind their own business and don't seem to be aggressive; they also aren't afraid of us or my animals.
I have two of them that have made webs at the base of my computer desk, attached to the wall. They just sit there and wait for insects. The other guy is over my my door, and does the same thing. He's built his web in a corner where we keep a small stack of fire wood for our wood stove. They have been coming back for a couple years now, bigger each year and have never caused a problem. They're just over the size of a quarter now. Biggest one's a good quarter and a half in size which is the one in the photo. I have a small dog, two cats and my 3 and 4 year old children just love all sorts of bugs and want to hold them. I just want to make sure if they do end up getting their hands on these spiders, I don't have to worry.
I hope the picture's good enough, I can get more if needed.

I did a bit of googling... Could this be a hobo spider?
I'm in northern BC Canada.

Thank you!
Alicia

This message was edited May 4, 2012 8:12 PM