DEAR ABBY: A friend of mine calls first or pops by every few months. She’s generous and brings homemade treats, something she has found at the grocer’s or flowers from her garden. We have great chats, and I really like her. The problem is, she always brings her little dog, whom she calls the most “wonderful little doggie in the world.” He goes into all the rooms and jumps on the beds, couch, needlepoint chairs, etc. The last time she was here, I had to launder two bedspreads and clean the couch because it was muddy outside. When I spoke up and said maybe his feet were muddy, she said she had wiped his feet. Obviously not. I don’t want her dog here anymore. I have a patio where we can visit, and I can direct her and the dog there when the weather is good, but what do I say in the meantime when she appears at my door with her dog? — DISGRUNTLED IN MICHIGAN

DEAR DISGRUNTLED: Direct her and her dog straight to the kitchen, close the door so her “wonderful” dog can’t roam all over your house, and visit with them in there. It will make it more convenient for you both to eat her treats or arrange her flowers. If she asks you why, tell her that you love her little pooch, but you no longer want him on your furniture. You are within your rights to do that. If she becomes offended, it may end the friendship, but if you can’t draw the line, your relationship will become increasingly less appealing anyway.