[graciegirl]

There is a commercial on TV..(the one with the screen) that has a dog licking a babies toes. I think it is cute.

I like kisses from dogs but four or five are fine. We are kitty folks and our cats are AGGRESSIVE GREETERS as opposed to the kind of cats that kind of stay in the background. Ours will put paws on knees, and slither around your legs and lie on the back of the couch as close to visitors as they can get. They sit and look at you and wait for a pet.

So we put them in the laundry room, outfitted with lovely baskets for all two of them. (Mikey, Harry and Hershey) They are put there when we have company and there they stay unless Bill-n-Brillo ask to see them and some other kitty lover friends who ask to have them let out.

For me and my house, we like animals. and we like animal lovers the best, but know that everyone deserves our hospitality and welcoming kindness and we want all of our friends to feel absolutely at ease and want to return to see us again and again..

[hulahips]

was that a sarcastic comment? Didn't think it was very appropriate.

[hulahips]

not you gracie. your comments were kind and helpful. i meant patty 55 whom ever that is.

[graciegirl]

We posted simultaneously. I am glad it wasn't my post.

[LABSX2]

Originally Posted by hulahips

hi everyone First let me say, I grew up with dogs and love animals. However, now that we're retired we choose not to have the responsibility any longer and be free to do what we want etc..

I find myself in a sticky situation and not sure how to handle this. We've met many friends here and recently have encountered this situation where I Hate to lose a friendship over it.

We were invited to friends house for first time. They asked us to remove our shoes. I don't generally have a problem with that as I have wood floors and would love if my husband would even do that. ha the problem is they have a dog that was jumping on me, licking my bare toes, my bare legs (had shorts on) but even more uncomfortable was he kept barking and growling at me and scared me to death. I was really nervous!! I really couldn't wait to leave. My husband said on way home, why did we have to remove our shoes when the dog runs out in yard, all over grass, and drags the dirt in. We don't ask people to remove their shoes and we have wood floors with no pets. Like I said it's not the shoe situation its why does the owner think it is appropriate for the dog to jump on us, lick us, etc.. when we have no shoes on?? I know growing up my parents always put the dog in another room when we had company out of respect, especially if they were friends that were not dog owners. How do I continue a relationship without hurting anyone's feelings ? I really do like them.

You never really said what YOU did when the dog did all this licking and jumping and barking. When a dog is doing something that you don't like, if you totally ignore him/her, they will usually go away. They want your attention and if you don't give it to them, they will look to someone else who will. Like the Dog Whisperer says "No Touch, No Talk, No Eye Contact". Give it a try.

[hulahips]

Oh but I do have many friends with dogs. They just don't jump all over me when I visit, growl at me and scare me so it was never an issue before. I appreciate the "helpful" tips from those dog owners who understand and ignore the sarcastic remarks from those who probably do let their dogs jump all over their guests. Most of you have been helpful and appreciated for your comments. Thanks

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by hulahips

Oh but I do have many friends with dogs. They just don't jump all over me when I visit, growl at me and scare me so it was never an issue before. I appreciate the "helpful" tips from those dog owners who understand and ignore the sarcastic remarks from those who probably do let their dogs jump all over their guests. Most of you have been helpful and appreciated for your comments. Thanks

Why don't you try saying "sit down" to the dog in a stern voice, or "go"? Most dogs will obey those commands. And the owners would get the message that you want the dog to leave you alone.