Her only family is a cousin in MD. She owns her own home and has a dog that she won't let 'go' outside. She is still driving, a little, but is afraid she doesn't remember how to get places. She doesn't remember common items/places/names and really shouldn't be living along, but she refuses to go to a doctor ever. How do we, her friends, get her evaluated and ultimately sent to an assisted living place?
Your friend could sell her home and use the money to go to "independent living" facility without needing any evaluation by a doctor if she can feed herself, dress herself, communicate, etc. she could easily move there, plus some places allow pets but she would need to abide by the pet rules... if she has her dog "go inside" the dog would need those dog wee-wee pads. Plus she would be around folks of her generation plus the facility will have activities and trips for the seniors which might help stimulate her brain.
Would moving to an apartment in a retirement facility be of interest to her? If she is agreeable, and you want to help, you go on your own and preview some places for her... then pick out some nice ones, make an appointment to take her on tour, and some places might even offer you and her a free lunch as part of their tour.