I looked after a friend's dog and cat as a favour and on return they have given me money

[Dameputtingonabraveface]

Just this really. A newish friend has a quite needy rescue dog (does not cope with doggy day care, kennels or walks, needs booking into a dog park). As a result, she and her husband do not really go away together unless a close family member can have the dog. They recently all went away as a family and I agreed to stay and spent lots of time visiting in the weeks leading up so dog in question knew me.

I stayed at their house for 2 weeks, went to work in the day (dog used to this, and I went back for lunch as office just 10 mins away). Before work I would go back to mine to feed and spend time with my cats (I foster and also have adopted too many) and do the same on the way home. I went home for a couple of hours about 3 times to spend some time with them and also spent a bit of time at the weekends.

My friend came home last night and when I took the keys back today, they gave me a Thank You card with £200 in! This just seems too much and makes me feel quite awkward. When I messaged them this, they told me they appreciated that I 'looked after their babies' but I was just helping out as a friend! We both just work in the public sector and she is on a lower grade than me (although has a husband so dual income).

It feels weird accepting this and I wondered what other people think?

Just say thank you and let her know it's not necessary as your happy to do to for free so she knows next time. She wants to show her appreciation so I would let her. It's a nice thing you did. Enjoy spending I say.

I think it’s lovely that she didn’t take it for granted that you took care of her precious animals. Some people are generous; don’t make it awkward.

It’s fine, you did them a really big favour and they’d be paying more for kennel for two weeks, buy yourself something nice.

What I’ve done in the past in similar circumstances is ask them to make a donation to the cat rescue I volunteer for & just said ‘however much you feel is appropriate.’

They’d have been looking at loads more for kennels. You’ve saved them money, they appreciate it, you made the holiday possible. You’ve been quite inconvenienced by it. I’d politely tell them it wasn’t necessary, they insist they want to, you accept gracefully and everyone happy

Accept it gracefully, that means they are more likely to ask you again.

We have a tricky dog and would gladly pay someone for that service, as it is we can’t go away together!

That’s a lovely thought, how kind of them. I think you should graciously accept the money as you’ve done them a big favour and they will have only given what they can afford!

You went totally out of your way for them and was a big help and they appreciated it.

Absolutely say there was no need if you want but treat yourself now.

They were grateful to you and they wanted to show appreciation via the card and money.
If you feel uncomfortable maybe offer to take them out for a drink. You done them a massive favour for two weeks. I believe kennels, don't know for sure are very expensive and you would have saved them alot of money.

They would have spent more on kennels etc
Accept it, but if you do feel real bad about then maybe donate the same amount to an animal rescue.

@Justbreathagain, well that is what I tried, but they said no. Just so totally unexpected! I was helping out a friend....

I think it’s lovely and it was to thank you, not like they were paying you for your services! I’d ’thank them for the thank you’ and forget about it, buy yourself something really nice you’d not buy for yourself and enjoy!

It's the least they could do.

Awww I think that's really sweet of them. They obvs appreciate what you've done to make their holiday possible

Just accept it graciously and say you didn't expect payment.

Treat yo'self!

It would have cost her more in kennels and a cattery, accept it graciously tell her there is absolutely no need for payment and you are happy to do it again .

They sound like great friends. Next time, should they ask again, you could ask to exchange for catsitting if that would be less awkward.

I thinks it’s lovely and totally normal. You did them a big favour (as a dog owner, my biggest issue is making sure they are looked after if I am away). If one of my friends stepped up and looked after mine? I’d be really grateful. You did a lovely thing.

Please take the money. You teach people to take you for granted when you don’t accept their gestures of appreciation.

I agree accept it gracefully, but say it wasn’t expected so you’d like to take her out for lunch so you can hear all about the holiday.

If I was them, I would have done similar. Finding someone trustworthy to petsit is a massive thing and you were obviously brilliant with them!

Two weeks of pet sitting is a really big favour! It’s lovely that you don’t begrudge doing it, but it is a big undertaking.

They probably feel like there isn’t a favour of a similar magnitude that they could do in return so they want to give you something appropriate in return so they don’t feel like they’re taking advantage.

@XenoBitch, I went to Morrison's on the way back and Dogs Trust were in the foyer so already done. As for cats, I already foster loads who no one wants to adopt and just buy in the food in bulk rather than ask the charity so think have the felines covered 😉

That is if you are happy to do it again

Wow you are a fantastic friend, definitely treat yourself you deserve it!

This is not a problem.