Our hanging out together during after-work hours started with a conflict of interest. Being a single girl for a couple of decades (with boyfriends thrown in here and there), I got used to doing what I want in my free time. And then I adopted a dog with needs, particularly for going on walks, getting pets and being social.

As a coffee shop lover, I started taking my squirmy dog with me to a downtown coffee shop, so that I could read and satisfy her needs for getting attention. At first, she didnít want to be a lapdog, but after a few weeks, she learned that it was a compromise ñ she sits on my lap and people come up to us and want to pet her.

I take her to open houses and events that allow dogs and into shops that do the same. The result ñ when I am sans dog, itís like Iím missing my purse. I run into people who ask that question, where is she?

Zoey, too, loves our regular coffee shop. When weíre actually trying to take a walk and pass the shop, she pulls me to the door and scratches on the glass, as if saying, ìLet me in!î ìThe shop is closed,î I tell her. ìWe can come back tomorrow.î Scratch. Scratch.

I feel bad for her, my friendly girl who wants to go inside for attention, a free bone and some love.

My challenge next week is to ask someone out for coffee who I normally would not, because I would tell myself, Iím too shy. I just might bring my dog, too.