I’ve always believed in helping people—especially when animals are involved. But there comes a time when kindness is taken for granted, and what starts as compassion turns into a painful wake-up call. That’s exactly what happened when I agreed to dog-sit for someone who posted a desperate plea in a Facebook group.

She was begging for emergency help, saying her dogs had nowhere to go. I stepped up. Out of the kindness of my heart—not because I had to, but because I care about animals.

What was our agreement?

• She would pay me $400 total.
• She gave me $200 upfront, brought a bag of food, and left a kennel.
• She said, “I’ll Apple Pay you the other $200 once my check clears.”

I trusted that.
I even told her not to stress when she said she was overwhelmed.
I fed her dogs high-quality food (mine costs $50 a bag) and gave them daily care, attention, and shelter. One of them even chewed through my mom’s $2,000 hand-carved oak dining table. I didn’t freak out. I didn’t demand instant reimbursement. I waited, assuming she’d make things right.

But then? Silence.

I gently followed up a few days later, saying:

“Hey, I’m not trying to stress you out at all, but when do you think you could send the remaining $200? I need it for dog food and bills.”

She ignored it. Until over a day later—after I said, “Ummm okay don’t respond”—and suddenly I got:

“Haha oh sorry my ADHD brain forgot 🤪”

Really?

Then she flipped everything on me. After I asked again about payment, she started saying I was being emotionally abusive. Here’s what she actually texted me:

“You were being insulting and rude and literally threatened to steal a crate I don’t even own if I didn’t pay you immediately… that’s emotional abuse… it doesn’t matter if you didn’t mean to do it, you still did it.”

Let’s be clear:

• I never threatened to steal anything.
• I told her the kennel (which she left at my house for over a week without asking about it once) would be held until I was paid the rest—because at that point, I was out $200 and my property had been damaged.
• I even said if the actual owner of the kennel reached out to me respectfully, I would hand it back.

But instead of apologizing or making it right, she accused me of trying to “steal” and gaslit me with guilt tactics like:

“You’re emotionally abusive,”
“You ruined our friendship,”
“You’re threatening me.”

How is it emotional abuse to ask to be paid what I’m owed?

Let me say this loud and clear:

• I returned the dogs even without being paid in full.
• I was more than patient.
• I kept receipts, text messages, and screenshots of our communication.
• I did nothing illegal and remained respectful in my boundaries.

What hurts most is the accusation. I was nothing but compassionate, flexible, and understanding—and I was used. She used mental health as an excuse for dodging responsibilities, and she turned on me the moment I expected her to follow through on her word.

If she tells others I’m “holding her kennel hostage,” they should know:

• It’s not hers.
• She owes me $200.
• The person who owns the kennel is welcome to contact me directly—once I’ve been paid or there’s a fair resolution.

I refuse to stay silent when my name is being disrespected. I’ve worked hard to build my reputation in this community. I care for animals. I care for people. But I won’t be a doormat.

To others reading this:
If you’re ever in a situation where someone calls your boundaries “abuse” just because you stop tolerating disrespect—please know you’re not the problem. And document everything.

I’ve learned a hard truth: Not everyone who asks for help is worth helping—especially when they treat you like trash the moment they don’t get their way.

I’ve blocked her. I’m moving on. But I’m sharing this to protect others and myself from lies and slander. I won’t let this go down as a “misunderstanding.” This was manipulation.

I’ll continue to help people—but only those who value kindness and return respect.