I.R.L. from Birmingham writes: “I hate dogs. But I have a friend who persists in bringing her chihuahua with her when she comes to dinner. How can I discourage her?”

Acquire late-developing asthma? But come not between a lady and her chihuahua. She may not like to leave her little Hercules without a chaperone. We should try to overcome our antipathy to the four-legged friends of our friends. PH

Elizabeth Ambler, Exeter: “Canine accessory or comfort blanket? You should have made your pet-hate clear at the outset.”

Mrs R.J. Elmes, Hayes: “Invite owner and dog, and, instead of laying the table, lay everything at chihuahua level. If the friend doesn’t take the hint, then go eat in a dog-unfriendly restaurant.”

Colin Allen, London N20: “When your friend arrives for dinner with the dog, simply say: ‘How kind. Would you prefer that sautéed or grilled?’”

Gill Arney, Beckenham: “Borrow a dobermann for next time.”

June Bastable, Weston-super-Mare: “Leave the friend off the guest list.”

Readers are invited to send their responses to this week’s question by September 6. A selection will be printed in a fortnight.

What is the polite way to refuse an invitation from a boring acquaintance to a party in October?

P. J., Plymouth

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