My roomer, B, with my consent, is dog sitting for a spoiled Maltese floor mop dog. The dog is cute, and is quite comfortable with B.

However, today, I got home from church at noon and B was out, gadding about. So I let the little mophead out of the bedroom so it could take a pee and get a little fresh air.

As soon as it realized that I was not a familiar person, it started to bark, to howl, to set up an ungodly ruckus. It went on and on, for four hours (with a half hour nap to recharge), until B came home.

Little white demon is going home tomorrow, thank goodness. When I get a dog, there will be a firm requirement that, in addition to medium size, the breed not be known for its incessant barking. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Meantime, I'm glad that B is home and the little dustmop is quiet, worn out, poor thing, by all that yapping.