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Dear Aunty Pam,

 

I recently hired a friend’s daughter to ‘pet sit’ my two dogs while I was out of town for five days. The girl is a senior in high school trying to start her own pet sitting business. I was hesitant because ‘Mandy’ doesn’t seem to be particularly active, which is important because one of my dogs recently had surgery, and it is imperative that he is taken on three 15 minute walks per day on level ground, as per vet’s orders, to heal properly.

Mandy charged $100 per day to do this as well as spend the night and feed the dogs.

After checking my ‘Ring’ camera and speaking with my next door neighbor who is retired, I learned that Mandy only walked Rufus once a day for three days and didn’t walk him at all the other two.

The problem is I already paid her and now feel that I should ask for my money back. On top of this, her mother is asking me to give her a good review on her Facebook page to help drive more business.

What to do?? I don’t want to make a big scene, but I also feel taken advantage of.

 

Help!

Rufus’ Mom

 

Dear RF,

 

Well, here’s the thing: can you confirm 100% that Mandy didn’t walk Rufus thrice daily? Is your Ring camera set up on both the front and back door? Could she have left the house via the basement or jumped out a window? Does your neighbor nod off for naps? Aunty Pam doesn’t mean to appear flippant, but one must be absolutely certain of one’s accusations before telling a friend that their flesh and blood is unprofessional, untruthful and a cheat.

Should you have the evidence you need, I think you have two options. Present Mandy with the evidence in a closed room with an unshaded lightbulb hanging over the table and offer her a cigarette IF she ‘fesses up. Sorry— that was an old Dragnet episode.

Actually, leave Mandy out of it and show your evidence to her mom, your friend. Unless you need the money, let it go, don’t ask for it back, but explain diplomatically that this is why you are uncomfortable giving her a favorable review. Leave it at that and give your friend the chance to talk to Mandy and make things right.

These things always are full of potential awkwardness and people can become hurt and defensive. Remain kind. That goes a long way.

 

Cheers, dears!!

Aunty Pam