Ask Amy: Things got out of hand at the party. Was my reaction unreasonable?

Dear Amy: I would like to get your take on a recent incident at a dinner party.

The hosts of the party had out-of-town guests who brought their dog with them. The dog proceeded to hump everyone at the party.

I asked the male owner if he would put the dog somewhere away from the guests. He gave me a one-word answer: no.

I then asked the female owner to do something, and she ignored me.

At one point my sister was shouting, “Get off me!” and I finally snapped and told the female owner, “Your dog is obnoxious.”

She replied, “You can’t speak to me that way, you are not my mother.” She then went crying to the hostess, saying she was going to leave.

My older sister and I had words with her and then left the party.

None of the other guests said a word.

We are no longer invited when this couple is in town with the dog.

I do not socialize with the hosts of the party anymore. They placated this couple at the expense of the guests.

Did I overreact?

– Doggone

Dear Doggone: Wow – what a night! What a glittering, glorious night.

First of all, even though I am basically feeling most sorry for the dog here, it is interesting to note that only a mother can tell someone their dog is obnoxious. Who knew?

If your account of this evening is correct, then you were right to exit the party early.

And, yes, this homeowner should have made an effort to protect all of their guests (and the dog), by asking that the dog’s owners give their dog whatever attention it needed in order for the animal to settle down.

Dear Amy: I had a 15-year affair with a married man (“Marshall”), who then ended his marriage in order to be with me exclusively.

Marshall and I continued our relationship for another four years before he died unexpectedly.