I'm sorry you had to deal with that. However, I always feel like such a hypocrite in these situations. I used to recoil from people's dogs too. I don't know if I was afraid or disgusted or what, but I never even wanted to sit down in houses that had dogs. It was on a complete whim that I ended up with Roxie from a family member, and I didn't think it would be permanent. But now she is my baby, and I love her to bits.
However, the tables have been turned on me. I have to deal with my dad, who won't visit as often and won't eat at my house because I have a dog. I have to deal with my two nephews who won't come into my house unless the dog is gated in the kitchen or somehow contained. It's a crummy feeling, and I feel so bad for making other people feel this way over the years.
Sorry for rambling...