Ahh I see... I don't normally mind if someone has a belief or something to say/sell etc but not keen on those that get right in your face with it, Having a break and a bit of chill time shouldn't be seen as an opportunity for someone to crowbar their views onto me and I don't tend to take kindly to that so normally do what you did and shut those conversations down quickly... We used to get 2 dear old ladies turning up our doorstep once a year selling the Watchtower and talking about God etc.. and I always used let them down gently though, I am not so subtle with those people that step right in front of you as you are walking round the shops selling the Big Issue or Clipboards and Surveys being waved in my face...
I do think she had the right idea with the dog though... Slowly work her way in and lull you into a false sense of security then BLAM!! let you have it..