DEAR ABBY: At several parties I have attended recently, other guests have felt it appropriate to bring their dogs with them. Occasionally they compare their dog with their child, saying that other people brought their "kids," so they did too. However, if someone's human child sniffed the crotches of, jumped up on, licked and shed on or wiped dirt on the clothing of other guests, they would obviously be unwelcome at the party.
I'm not alone in feeling this way -- often the hosts do, too. Whenever anyone has hinted at not being a dog lover, they have been instantly labeled an "animal hater," a crime likened by many to be equal to animal abuse.
I have seen this occur throughout the United States and in American communities abroad, in a wide variety of social circles and classes, so I'm writing to you in hopes that you will spread the word. When attending a party at a dog-free home, the other guests expect -- and deserve, in my humble opinion -- the party to be dog-free as well. -- MR. "C" AT A MILITARY BASE IN ITALY
DEAR MR. C: It is my "humble opinion" that no one should bring an animal to anyone's home unless permission has first been sought from, and granted by, the hosts. And an excellent way to keep from being jumped on, licked and "sniffed" by an animal is to sprinkle a dash of cayenne pepper on one's clothing.
For the record, I am an animal lover -- but it's far easier to love an animal that has been taught good manners than one that hasn't. (And the same goes for children.)