Thanks so much for all of the great advice! I will certainly see what I can do the next time he comes over. My nieces (5-year-old twins) came around after I had them feed Roxie some treats.
Funny thing is, my SIL loves little dogs, and she always had one growing up (Maltese). My brother, however, does not care for dogs, and he expresses it frequently. My dad doesn't like dogs either, and will often indicate that they are dirty. He won't even eat at my house because I have a dog.
And I have to tell you, the analogy about the pet spider really touched a nerve for me. I have severe arachnophobia...even the tiniest spider sends me running. Had to close my eyes several times during
The Amazing Spiderman movie yesterday. One of my co-workers brought her pet tarantula in to my class one time and I had to leave the room until she was done showing it to them. *shudder*