Hi Pinot - Myndi here. Ya' know, Sparky and I have been discussing this "situation" of yours, and we'd like to offer our view. I know, I know - we're just dogs, so what do we know??? A lot - I tell ya - a lot! Whenever we have someone come to our house to disrupt our routine, we make it as unpleasant for them as we can, so that they will hurry up - do what they have to do - and get the heck out!!! Barking, growling, showing our teeth, mock attacking. Well considering that we each only weigh around 10 pounds, that doesn't really scare anyone off, but what does it, is the constant barking, even when Mom gets irritated with us and puts us in her bedroom and closes the door. That never stopped us from continuing to bark until the offending intruders leave. Actually they get done a whole lot quicker than they would if we weren't here and driving them nuts with our load mouths.
Okay - we know that you don't have a dog brother or sister, but maybe a neighborhood dog friend that could step in and help out??? We tell ya - it really works! Nothing against cats, because you know that we really like you (and we have a couple here we have to tolerate too), but you guys just aren't as intimidating as dogs! Mom told us of one of her RB Meezers that would get in a repairman's toolbox or sit on his lap if he happened to be sitting on the floor working on something. Hope Mom wasn't paying him by the hour, because he would be here way longer than necessary with that cat around!
Anyway girl, we just thought we'd offer that thought and suggestion, as remote a chance it is of it happening for you. The next time anything like this happens, and you find out about it in advance, just let us know, and we'll be there in a flash to provide some barking, growling, and threatening, to speed things up so you can get back to your accustomed lifestyle!

Hang in there Friend. We feel your pain...........
Myndi & Sparky