Lots of folks do not like dogs...or are afraid of them. One of my bosses doesn't like any animal, period..around her..and her grown daughter has 2 springer spaniels..in the house...and she hates when they bring them to visit (they live out of town) but she allows it because she does respect others love for animals..SHE just doesn't care for them.
I wouldn't take it personally..they would have probably had the same reaction had it been a 5 pound toy pup...just being extra cautious, I guess