Unwelcome dog

by Put upon
(Toronto, Ontario, Canada)

We have friends from out of town who stay with us once a month or so while they go to appointments or social events in the city.

Despite the fact that we have made it crystal clear that we don't like dogs, they almost always bring their large collie. At best, we tolerate it.

We have also told them time and again that we will not dog sit, but they persist in leaving the dog with us when it's not allowed wherever they're going.

An occasion is coming up when this will likely occur, even though my husband made a point of calling them a week ahead to say we will not take care of the dog.

The problem is compounded because we are temporarily living in a high-rise (sadly, pets are allowed) while our house is being renovated. By the way, our friends know many people who like dogs and live in houses, both in their home town and in our city.

If they do this again, I fear it will be the end of our friendship, either because we will make it clear that they're unwelcome in the future or because we end up doing something drastic like tying the dog up outside in the cold (44 floors down) or taking it to a boarder.

We are at our wits' end as to how to make these people respect our wishes. If anyone has any suggestions, I'd love to hear them.