17 JULY 2004, Page 55

Q. The recent letter about guests who arrived with dog

reminded me of a story! heard last year. A prominent female New Yorker (president of art museum boards, etc.) and her boyfriend arrived for lunch at the country home of their fellow socialite Anne Bass in Connecticut, together with their large and badly behaved dog, which had not been explicitly invited. The dog (though charming to dog-lovers) was a nuisance throughout the visit. The next day the guest's phone rang. A voice said, 'Mrs G., you don't know me but I am a dog trainer. Mrs Bass is giving me to you.' An extravagant response, perhaps, but most likely effective.

Name and address withheld A. Thank you for sharing this harmless nugget.