Should I be held responsible and if so for how much?
Friends of ours watched our dogs (2) for 10 days while we went on vacation. I wasn’t expecting this for free so I bartered work. I worked like crazy…they had just bought a new home that was trashed and I helped clean,paint,repair,move etc almost everyday….after work and on weekends….for two weeks…Now I didn’t mind because they were doing us a favor. On top of that we (husband and I) also spent almost 0.00 to clean their carpets, and help with some cleaning/painting supplies. I wrote a care list that explained everything to a T, packed everything that my dogs would need while we were away. They took in a puppy KNOWING that they had an obligation to our pets, so I voiced my concerns….They shrugged it off and away we went on a much needed trip. While away I called a few times and there were minor issues but nothing horrible…. Upon arrival all was well then the next morning I get a phone call and my friend is mad. She stated that "my dogs ate her outdoor furniture". I asked her what happened and she said she went to let the dogs in (after being outside, UNATTENDED for at least a couple hrs!) and the cushions were destroyed. I asked her which dog’s into which she applyied she didn’t know but the holes were big (implying mine did it?) . I asked her why they were left a lone for so long with out supervision(by the way I had it written in the care instructions to watch them regularly) plus it was over 100 degrees outside. She said that her husband let them out early and she just lets them in and that’s how they had been doing it the entire time. Well I am not saying that my dogs are completely innocent but they NEVER chew anything but bones and toys, unless provoked and I feel that ALL of them may have played a part. Here’s the thing, my wishes for their care weren’t followed as directed….ok I can live with that but I feel as if I am expected to replace 4 plus cushions to an old dirty, smelly , nasty hand me down (not a family heirloom!) OUTDOOR seat. I am beside myself with this and can’t believe that this is even an issue. I understand her frustration but my instructions were ignored, no proof of which dog or dogs did it and I feel as though my hard work/money was not even acknowledged… If I had charged for my labor as well as the carpet cleaning then it would have been cheaper to board them! I am willing to pitch in and purchase used cushions but nothing more , what do you think?
