My MIL Demanded $600 for Walking & Feeding Our Dog While I Was in Labor – I Agreed, but Only on One Condition
A few days before giving birth, I asked my husband, Jake, to arrange care for our dog, Rich. He assured me his mom, Abigail, would handle it.
After a rough labor, we returned home, exhausted but happy—only to find a note from Abigail: “You owe me $600 for feeding and walking Rich. My time costs money. You have my bank details.”
At first, I thought it was a joke. It wasn’t. A week later, when she visited the baby, her first words were, “When can I expect my money, Doris?”
Smiling, I said, “Of course, Abigail. I’ll pay—on one condition.”
I handed her a folder listing every favor and expense Jake and I had covered for her—moving costs, car repairs, babysitting. Total? Far more than $600.
She sputtered, “This is ridiculous! Family doesn’t charge each other!”
“Exactly,” I shot back. “But since you started it, I’d say we’re even.”
Stunned, she stormed out. Jake chuckled, wrapping me in his arms. “No one should mess with my wife.”
I smiled, scratching Rich’s ears. Abigail might not have learned her lesson, but she wouldn’t ask for that $600 again. And if she did? I still had the folder.
