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?

[grasscarp]

No. dont say anything. Just dont do it again. Ungrateful so and so's.

[Zacs-Master]

Just leave it and then don't do the dog walking again.

[alenetrent]

Nothing to say about it

[mallyh]

yes i agree with the others

[grasscarp]

Right now they are probably planning a surprise party for you to thank you!

[JeniPeni]

I would have thought a thank you would have been enough without having to bring back a souvenir; if you had a good relationship before I would just leave it for now and not take it personally. Sometimes people can be caught up in their own lives without having to worry about people fretting over whether people will be offended if they don't get a 'stick of rock'.

[Connemmara]

I would have liked to have been thanked. Common courtesy. Since I have a dog - it is so wonderful that the dog wasn't unhappy while they were away. That is a massive thing. A payment of some sort should have been given to the little lad anyway. Ungracious cows.

[rockyracoon]

What ungrateful Snags, a thank you is the least they should have offered, being they've probably saved the best part of £100 in kennel fees.

[ClaryS]

just to clarify, I didn't expect to get anything for myself, except a 'Thankyou' which I didn't get, but would have expected anyone to bring a child a pressie back. I guess you just can't expect people to have the same values as yourself. Trouble is if she asks me again and I say no then that's just like me saying if I don't get a reward I'm not doing it -and that's not really me at all I will do anything for anyone if I can.

[rockyracoon]

Well, me being me I'd have to say something before they asked again, cos that would end up in me telling them to FRO, very politely of course ;)

[sandyRoe]

What about saying to the neighbour that your son went to a great deal of trouble with the dog and a 'thank you' to him wouldn't be out of place?

[grasscarp]

Clary you are obviously a kind and caring neighbour. She is not. Best to not let it change the way you are, other than to find a way out next time. The dog appreciated your efforts.

[grasscarp]

Actually Sandy has a point. You could just say next time you are talking that your son was hoping you were pleased about him looking after the dog so nicely - and see what she says.

[mazie]

"Trouble is if she asks me again and I say no then that's just like me saying if I don't get a reward I'm not doing it "

Not at all Clary, it's you saying if you can't appreciate what we did for you then I won't be doing it again. Some people are just users and some people are natural givers. The line has to be drawn somewhere, or the users never know any better. Good luck with whatever you choose to do x

[Sqad]

Leave it.

[anneasquith]

leave it.................what young boy wants a fridge magnet ?

[Fusion5]

In this world, ClaryS there are 'givers' and 'takers'. You and your family are 'givers' and your ungrateful neighbours are 'takers'. I never understand how some people can never give a little 'thank you' gift for a good deed.

I would just leave it, even though I understand your seething. Just don't be a 'giver' in the future to this neighbour.

[mazie]

Oh, I would leave it for now but I would never do it again.. I'd let them know why I wasn't prepared to do it if they asked again.

[Mamyalynne]

I too would leave it, it is a salient lesson that your son will learn - not all our good deeds are rewarded with praise or reward, but this does not mean we should not do them.