Over the last couple of years we've looked after guinea pigs for a "friend" while she's been away working in Europe - it's contract work and we've had them for up to 8 weeks at a time. To begin with there were 3 guinea pigs, but then it was just 2.
We looked after the 2 guinea pigs during September. During that period one of the guinea pigs became unwell, so we took them both to the vet but the unwell guinea pig passed away. Our "friend" reimbursed us within a week for the fees we incurred, which was fine.
She then asked us to look after the remaining GP again in October. The return date was unclear, but possibly up to 3 weeks. She was at pains to emphasise that the one remaining Guinea Pig would need extra attention because his friend had passed away and he might be stressed/lonely.
After 2 weeks of eating happily, the Guinea Pig stopped eating. In order to avoid a repeat of the previous fatality, we whisked him to the vet for a check-up. The vet gave him a clean bill of health, and the following day he was back to his normal self and eating happily. The whole event was incredibly stressful.
In the week that followed I finally had a text from the "friend" who informed me that her contract in Rome was being extended for another 4 weeks - was that OK? By this point I'd had enough - the Guinea Pig was living outside in (sometimes) sub-zero temperatures, it was stressful for me and unfair on the animal (he was used to living indoors) so I asked her to make other arrangements.
Finally, after a lot of fussing about and her calling in favours from other friends, the little beast was collected. I sent her an email requesting reimbursement of the vet fees on the 20th Nov ... and I waited. I sent a reminder on the 4th Dec ... and I waited.
Am I being unreasonable to expect payment within 2 weeks? ... or if nothing else, at least an acknowledgement that she's going to pay me back?
Further frustration is that although she provided initial bedding and dry food, the fresh leaves and carrots were always at my cost. I've not once been paid back for these costs in the 2 years we've been looking after her animals ... I feel like a mug 
WWYD?
AIBU?
How long would you wait to be reimbursed for vets fees?
Babyblade · 06/12/2016 09:15
Agree with PP your emails were a bit inflammatory and possibly rude. When looking after a friends dog I once had to go to the vet, who put the charge on my friends account and settled it directly with them when they got home. How much are we talking about for a check up on a GPig?
How much is a bag of carrots? £1? You sound like you resent doing this favour for your friend, so best all round if you don't look after them again.
I feel a little sorry for your friend to be honest 
Fair enough. I think if my friend was dealing with so much stuff I would endeavour to find some compassion. But obviously we all have our own ideas of friendship.
I hope things resolve for you OP 
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Dealing with so much stuff?! She's a bit tired with travelling?!!! 
Yes it must be exhausting taking advantage of a friend. Yes, her dad has cancer - but it's not stopped her having an extra month in Rome has it? And she has no idea what OP has going on. She's taking the piss and the OP is better off without her "friendship".
I think if my friend was dealing with so much stuff I would endeavour to find some compassion.
What - "dealing with stuff" like composing a round robin email pontificating about her views on the commonwealth? Only twats do that
Katy07 - thank you! 
The lack of apology is certainly an issue. I've had a couple of boxes of chocolates (last year) when looking after them, but nothing recently.
She barely tolerates her parents, so contracting in Rome (before that Switzerland and Germany) suits her just fine.
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