They're dogged by lint and dog hair

Dear Answer Angel: Some of our dearest friends have two very large, very hairy dogs that shed a lot, including all over my friends' furniture since the dogs are allowed on the couches. You can guess the rest: Every time we visit, we return covered with dog hair. I've learned not to wear black on these visits, but what else can I do short of asking them to put a sheet on the sofa before we sit down? They're lovely folks, and my husband and I want to stay friends — just hairless friends.

Ellen Warren

March 15, 2010