Should I be mad with neighbor over this?

Question

We went away on vacation and my neighbor's 15 year old watched our dog. We were gone 5 days and came home to pee all over the floor and a ruined rug and 3 dead hanging baskets of flowers. We paid her $50. and I didn't mention the 5 X7 rug which had to be thrown out or the pee. We came home Friday and on Monday they went away. I watched 2 dogs and one was in heat and kept trying to run away. The big one also pulled away from me. She also left intricate diagrams and instructions on her pool and I had to fill it with water. She came home on Friday and I was thrilled since the dogs wouldn't eat and I'd spend 45 minutes there 3 times a day! She called and said thanks and that was it. I was ticked after paying $50. and the kid never said thanks. I also have a 10 year old who helped walk and feed these dogs. Should she have at least bought back a souvenir or am I just being touchy?

I should have explained that her younger daughter watched the dog in the past. We went away for Memorial Day weekend and the little brat didn't want to do it, so I asked some new kid who had just moved in. It was for 2 days, he did a great job and I gave him $20. The other neighbor overhead the new dad thanking me saying that was too much. I used to give her daughter $7. a day. When I said we were going away again, the mom insisted I ask older daughter. I am friends with this mom which is why I didn't tell her I was annoyed, except I joked about the dead flowers. I just feel she was cheap to let her kid accept $50. and give us nothing. I would be embarrassed. Now the new kid who was good is snubbing me, and will probrably never watch the dog again.

Answer 1

Well, a lesson has been learned.

Well, you have the right to be upset, but probably need to get the details on how the rug was ruined and why. Did you set the expectations for the 15 year old? Did the 15 year old know what to do? I'm not sure.

Your thoughtfulness, generosity and commitment to follow their instructions should be commended though!

I would casually mention the fact that your 10 year old helped. Plant the seed and pass the potential guilt.

I'd think again on having them watch anything of yours going forward. Try your other neighbor next time.

Don't burn any bridges, they are your neighbors.
Hang in there!

Answer 2

You have learned a valuable lesson for the bargain price of $50. You aren't being touchy you have every right to be angry. Don't ask them for any favors from now on and if they ask you...politely decline.

Answer 3

Live and learn...one favor deserves another, that would have been the trade off, but since you offered to pay for their services, just remember not to ask them again because they didn't do the job very well.

Answer 4

When you came home to pee all over your house you shouldn't have paid them nor watched their dogs. You were used. Chalk it up to a lesson learned and let it go. Don't ask them to do anything for you and don't do anything for them anymore.

Answer 5

She's obviously quite clueless, and you shouldn't have paid her that much. File this one under the lessons learned category and forget about it. If she ever asks you again to watch her dogs, tell her why you won't.

Answer 6

first you shouldnt have paid at all. considering you did them the very same favor! second yes you have everyright to be upset. you even have the right to make them pay for the plants and the rug. you paid them for thier service. they didnt stick to the agreement. tell them how you feel. and if they are jerks take em to small claims

Answer 7

I think she should have gave ur son something least! Sometimes being to neighborly can cause trouble... Just keep ur distance. That's what I do!