What Is The Best Course Of Action?

[ClaryS]

Hello. I could do with some unbiased advice please. A couple of weeks ago our neighbour approached me to say they were going on holiday, and someone was house/dog sitting for them but they worked, and could my son walk the dog at lunchtimes. We agreed, and in fact the holiday went over into school term so I walked the dog lunchtimes and son took the dog out again when he came home from school . They came back Sat. evening and we saw them about an hour after they had got back. I said the dog had been ok and she said yes it didn't seem as if he's been bothered about them going, and we left it at that, she never said thanks at all to me. I reckoned they would be tired so on Sunday son went back around to give them their house key. She didn't say Thank you to my son for walking the dog, let alone given him a small present. Am I being unreasonable in thinking she could have at least brought him back a small gift ? A fridge magnet or some small souvenir from where they went? We've waited and waited but nothing has appeared. OH says let it drop and don't do her any more favours, but I'm seething, we spent hours with the dog making sure it was ok . Should I say something or just leave it?

[ClaryS]

Thanks for all the quick replies. I've taken it all on board and I think for the sake of keeping the peace I'll seethe inwardly and keep quiet. Next time I see her I will ask how the dog is and say that son was wondering if he did a good enough job and see what the reaction is. Now I can think about a suitable thing to say when she next asks for a favour. Like a good friend said the other day, sometimes you're the dog sometimes the lamp post. very apt I thought.

[Mamyalynne]

Such is life :-)

[viv38]

I wouldn't refuse to do it again, why should the dog suffer because it has ungrateful owners ?

[ClaryS]

viv I can understand your sentiment and that crossed my mind, but the dog is not my responsibility. I haven't mentioned to my son about how I feel about him not getting a small reward. He's not asked either so that proves he's on the right track. If he wants to walk the dog that's ok by me but I'm not putting myself out anymore.

[Fusion5]

Let her put the dog in kennels at £25 per day.

[ClaryS]

Fusion exactly! The dog walking thing isn't a regular occurrence we were just helping out when they were on holiday. The owner usually comes home at lunchtimes to walk the dog as she works locally.

[pastafreak]

I wonder if they thanked the person who was house/dog sitting...considering your son did a fair bit of the work.

[joko]

actually i probably would say something.
i mean saying the words 'thank you' costs nothing, i am gobsmacked that it didn't just come out of her mouth.

im not suggesting you go round kicking off, but suggest that she should thank your son, you could say that because they have not thanked either of you for all the time and effort you put in, that your son was a bit worried he'd done something wrong, and you are concerned he will feel disheartened and unnappreciated and put him off helping others again.

i also would not do it again now anyway, even if she does thank you - though if you say nothing now, next time she asks and you say no, if she asks why you will have to say 'because you didnt thank me last time' - which will seem petty... or make some excuse.
the dog wont suffer they will just get someone else to do it.

[anneasquith]

I don't see why you are so annoyed about this, if you don't wish to do them a favour in the future , just say no. lifes too short :)

[sherrardk]

I would be annoyed too, manners cost nothing. It is ungrateful and thoughtless and is not setting a good example to your son.

[Prudie]

Well I am stunned they didn't say thanks and personally I'd have expected a gift or some money for your son. My neighbours have come and fed my cats for me but I've always given them some wine as a thank you. I wouldn't say anything but I wouldn't help again, they've saved themselves a fortune using your good will.

[pusskin]

I also would be annoyed about this.
Saying thank you doesnt cost a penny. Thoughtless neighbours and would never help out again thats for sure.

[hanpet79]

My mother has just stayed two weeks at her sisters, as she has been cat sitting ( my aunt is "slightly" odd). She has phoned my mum every other day and has been irritated at the fact my mother goes to bed earlier than my aunt....and Teddy the cat likes to stay up longer.....my mum has to take her own food..milk and toilet roll...she has Crohns disease amongst other things.
Also my Aunt has a car and my mum relies on public transport, still my aunt has asked her to have milk stocked up and the local paper for her ready for when she gets back.
I am fuming!!!!! My mum is in ailing health.....and she never gets so much as a thanks.