Real life MMD: Our dog ruined the neighbour's curtains - should we pay?

Pmarmalade

bogwart wrote: »

But the neighbours weren't doing it to be nice, they said they wanted to have a trial run on what it's like to own a dog. Well, now they know. And how much do you need to know to realise that Guy Fawkes is a scary time for some dogs, especially those in a cage.

I hadn't seen this post before I posted my response above.

This is a really good point. If they let this happen with your dog it was probably quite likely to happen with their dog, or at least something similar. You learn from your mistakes.

Now they know the potential complications with owning a dog and if they still get one they might now put more thought into these things...

John_Cameron

The friends should have checked their insurance before taking on the responsibility of a dog - but so should the dog owners. If you want to keep them as friends, I suggest 50/50 but the friends are getting the best of the bargain because this is essentially a "new for old" deal.

This is an excellent wake-up call. I bet many of the readers are like myself and have taken this event on board for a much wider scenario of events.

mungaman

Defo don't pay!! What are you thinking!!
They offered to take care of the dog as a trial
run; you wouldn't put a dog in the front seat of
your new car, hoping that it didn't wee or scratch
the new seats (or stain anything else).
They shouldn't have left the curtains in a place
where the dig could get them. It's their fault.
It's like putting a baby on or near your new (or expensive)
carpet & hoping it doesn't make a mess on it!!
Let them pay!! Only pay halves at the most, if you
feel you want to keep your friends (but don't take
their word on the price-shop around).
Good luck!!

bouncydog1

You should offer at least a contribution to the cost of the curtains. OK they shouldn't have left the dog where it could get them, but equally did you give them a list of instructions including caution about bonfire night.

Find out when they purchased the curtains and what they cost. Then find out what an equivalent replacement set would be and offer to go halves.

Your neighbours were doing you a favour by saving you the kennelling costs (which you were no doubt happy about) - but they did want to experience what dog ownership would be like! An amicable settlement would be best IMO. If they press the point about paying 100% then you will have to decide whether your friendship is worth it or not. Try to discuss calmly!

nickj_2

i would pay up - see how far£1000 gets you if you put your dog in kennels ,

linds10

Of course you should replace your friends curtains. This was damage done by your dog: it's completely your responsibility. If you care for your dog, why leave it in a strange house on bonfire night? If these are friends that you want to keep, apologise, smile & buy them new curtains.
I'd pay the bill for new ones, though, rather than give them £1000, which does seem steep.

anjak-j

Since they wanted to try out being dog owners - and failed miserably by leaving a young dog alone on November 5th - I'd suggest they are at fault for this turn of events. I'd probably offer to contribute towards a new pair of curtains to keep the peace, but it wouldn't be anything close to £500. Besides, the price they are quoting seems pretty steep for curtains.

hellywobs

Did the dog really manage to wreck BOTH curtains? If it was just one, can't they just get a replacement for that curtain if the material is available? That would cost a lot less.

Curtains are expensive and you can easily spend £1000 if you can't get off the shelf ones, depending on the size of the window, though I would expect that to include the pole and fitting as well.

I'd go 50-50 - your dog, their lack of responsibility.

crazyguy

Pop down the local 2nd hand shop and replace them.

VoucherMan

They wanted a trial run.

Hopefully they've learnt a few lessons, albeit expensive.

Just think of the damage a pet could do to the £5000 carpet or sofa!