More better good advice.

Ask Aunty Lucille.

Dear Aunty,
I like to think a run a tight ship. I like everything in its place. However, I have few things to clutter or get in the way because I live a calm simple life.
But I have a younger sister who often comes to visit. Which is mostly a good thing. However, when she comes, she brings her three very active but yapping Chihuahuas. They all look the same to me but they are named Senor Jose, Amigo Juanito, and Chiquita Maria. Again, which dog is which, I have not a hint.
She brings all three in a large wire crate, backs her car into my attached garage, lifts out the crate, and lets them the house through the side kitchen door. At which time they burst into the house barking, running, jumping, and chasing each other. Immediately at which point my sister starts clapping her hands to get the dogs attention and also begins calling them each by name to settle down. Sometimes resorting speaking to them like toddlers. You know, poopsie woopsie puppies. You must obey mommy. Leaving me little time to even say hello. They will momentarily settle down but , my sister spends most of our visiting time again clapping and yelling commands to the feisty little scampers. Leaving us little visiting time. I really would like to spend more time talking. Talk about other interesting things in her busy life. Lucille, how do I get her attention and have a reasonable sister to sister conversation? This leaves me so frustrated.
Dear Frustrated,
Have you ever asked your sister to please leave the puppies with either a friend or a kennel. Explaining to her gently you would like a quiet moment together to hear about her private or business life. Tell her you are genuinely interested but can’t hear or concentrate when puppies are barking and she is ‘also barking’ out commands while clapping. You might even pay for a short kennel stay for the little darlings or pay for a neighbor boy or girl to come and puppy sit and hopefully outside. Or you could ask her to meet you at a nice restaurant at your treat. Hopefully an eating establishment that does not allow dogs inside. Let me know what happens.

Aunty Lucille.