Dear Urban Diplomat: Do I have to let my friends bring their dog to dinner?

Dear Urban Diplomat,

A close friend and his partner have a yappy little Yorkie they take everywhere. We’ve invited them over for a big holiday dinner but requested that there be no dogs for the comfort of all our guests. Since they refuse to leave the thing home alone, they say they’re unable to attend. We’d like them to come, as they’re really nice people. I guess we could check with the other guests and see if anyone cares. Should we cave?

—Death to Poochie, Parkdale

It’s your house, and you’re absolutely entitled to bar entry to any guest who might lick, shed on or hump the legs of other invitees. But ’tis the season: welcome the mutt and score a spot on Santa’s nice list—not because your heart has suddenly grown three sizes, but because it’ll be less trouble enduring an annoying dog for an evening than it will be repairing a rift in that relationship. There’s no need to ask your other guests’ permission; just let them know a dog will be present in case anyone’s allergic. If karma kicks in, the pup will do all the entertaining for you and hosting will be a breeze.

Send your questions to the Urban Diplomat at urbandiplomat@torontolife.com