Dear Annie: My husband and I recently retired to a large community where many of the folks own pets. Cat owners permit their cats to jump all over their kitchen countertops and even the table. Dog owners allow their animals to scratch your legs and get hair all over your new outfit, and all they say is, "He'll calm down after awhile," which never happens. And some of their homes smell. We want to make new friends but need them to understand we don't enjoy their dogs jumping all over when we arrive with dishes in our hands. If I owned a dog, I would absolutely be considerate enough to put the animal where it won't disturb anyone when guests come. Where is common sense these days? — Anonymous Dear Anonymous: These people love their pets and consider them part of the family and may not realize that others may take a different view of the animals. You need to be very direct: Tell these people their animals make you uncomfortable and ask that they please put them in another room. If they are unwilling, the only way to maintain a friendship is to socialize outside their homes.