Here's a thought , put up a really nice sign so they can see when they come over, letting them know that furbabies are family too! I have a MIL who is a little afraid of big dogs, well Tawny is 85lbs of love. She always brings a treat for her because she knows that Tawny is my and her son's child, we don't have any furless babies, she knows how much Tawny means to us even if its hard for her to understand sometimes. I have to say I have a great MIL.