Dog ate my cellphone
By Monkeyrose
@Monkeyrose (2840)
Canada
January 2, 2012 3:30am CST
I'm looking after my friend's home and dog over the holidays. I have been here for 10 days and they paid me $100. The dog is a puppy and has been chewing a bunch of stuff. He chewed a bunch of toiletries but most of it is inexpensive or half used.
However, yesterday I woke up and he had chewed up my cellphone. I sleep with my cellphone in my bed because I use it as an alarm clock. My friend's house is a bachelor suite and the dog sleeps beside the bed. He must have taken it out of the bed while I was sleeping.
Should I ask my friend to pay to replace the cellphone? I bought this one off a friend for $40. It's an old version of the blackberry curve. Now I hate blackberries and really just want a cheap cellphone. I just prefer one with a keyboard for texting. I don't think I'll be able to find another one for that cheap. I think I'll have to pay $100-$200 for the cheapest phone.
I really think they should pay to replace it. Do you think its fair of me to ask?
6 people like this
18 responses
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
2 Jan 12
No, it's not their responsibility to replace your phone. Dogs and children get into everything and it's your responsibility to secure your phone where it is safe. This is an expensive lesson but most important lessons usually are. Hey, you didn't like the phone much, anyway, so try to get a more basic model that is less expensive to use. This could be a good opportunity to save money each month. If you get a very basic one without even texting ability you'll find yourself connecting in more positive ways with people, being able to pay more attention to what is around you, enjoying your moments more because you're not always texting or talking, and just generally being more personal instead of electronic in your relationships.
Look at this as an opportunity, not a misfortune. It could turn out to be a very, very rewarding thing!
2 people like this
@sid556 (30959)
• United States
2 Jan 12
My initial reaction was...puppies are puppies. but I thought more about this and honestly...If someone were caring for my kids in their home and my kids were destructive, I would feel obligated to pay the person. Kids are kids but if they destroyed something of any value...I'd just feel so bad. I'd have to make it right.
2 people like this
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
2 Jan 12
I'm sorry. You mentioned in another conversation that you had a Blackberry and I automatically assumed you were like the people I see everyday, glued to the phone night and day. I don't know your living arrangements but if you have a landline you may have to make do with that for awhile. However, I do agree that having a cell phone these days is important because of how dangerous the world has become. I hope you get one soon! If not, alarm clocks are fairly cheap while you wait for a good deal.
You have to look at this as a challenge, not a disaster. Easy for me to say, right? But try to stay positive.
1 person likes this
@Bluedoll (16773)
• Canada
2 Jan 12
Truly sorry you had a bad experience and hope you can find a replacement to suit your needs. The puppy doesn't understand what it did but some can be very 'get into everything'. Things will get better for you perhaps in the new year. Sorry that happened.
1 person likes this
@sid556 (30959)
• United States
2 Jan 12
Hi Monkeyrose,
I, personally would not ask my friend to replace it given those circumstances. When you agreed to watch the puppy you must have at least known that puppies are prone to chewing on things. It's what they do. I think for the sake of the friendship, I'd just bite the 40.00. I don't know as it would really be wrong to ask for it. I just wouldn't.
2 people like this
@Monkeyrose (2840)
• Canada
2 Jan 12
Well its not just 40 dollars.. if it was i wouldnt care so much.. but to replace the phone i'm going to have to pay $100 - $200. and it isn't a close friend.. more of a coworker. i think i'm going to see if i can get a refurbished one online... maybe if its more than the $100 they paid me to watch the dog I'll ask them for the difference. yeah its difficult because if it was me i'd offer to pay for a new one. and its frustrating because this dog has caused me a lot of trouble. he's kept me up at night and hes chewed other stuff i own. he ran away today and almost gave me a heartattack.. i guess i just feel cheated because it really wasnt worth the money. It was a lot of work... and i had to stay at the place because this dog is high needs... and its a bachelor suite so there isnt really anywhere i can put anything out of the dogs reach. he's 10 months old btw and huge... hes not a little dog.
1 person likes this
@sid556 (30959)
• United States
2 Jan 12
Oh I see. So basically, you got yourself in for more than you bargained for? So then, tell the owners what damage the dog has done and do not candy-coat it..tell them everything. Personally, I would feel obligated to reimburse you just as I would if my child did damage to any of your property. To take it further if they don't come forth...well that would be your call. I would probably chalk to an expensive learning lesson but going after reimbursement would not be wrong either. I used to babysit a lot and I learned to get to know the parents and the kids before taking on any jobs. Pets and kids are very similar...they really are in many aspects.
1 person likes this
@Monkeyrose (2840)
• Canada
2 Jan 12
yah i think i'm going to ask for some money towards it... i'm not going to do anything beyond that.. its up to them... however i wont be sitting for this dog again
1 person likes this
@Monkeyrose (2840)
• Canada
2 Jan 12
I agree as well. lol If my animal did the same thing I would personally feel obligated to replace it.
1 person likes this
I don't know if your friend should replace your mobile phone. But, you can ask anyway. But if he won't, then I think its okay because he's paying you.
@Monkeyrose (2840)
• Canada
2 Jan 12
Yah hes paying but not that much.... my new cellphone could be twice the cost of what he paid me... I could end up loosing money from this. but regardless if he refuses I can't do anything to force it.
1 person likes this
@sabado_dc (1001)
• Philippines
2 Jan 12
What would you want as a replacement, a brand new or a second hand? I wonder if there are sold surplus in your place, though.
1 person likes this
@Monkeyrose (2840)
• Canada
2 Jan 12
I would gladly take a second hand one. I don't need anything fancy. I live in a village of 500 people. In order to get a new cellphone I'd have to drive 2 hrs to town or order it online. I lucked out last time my friend had an extra one.
1 person likes this
@sabado_dc (1001)
• Philippines
2 Jan 12
So, If I were you then, I would tell my friend that her dog ate my cellphone. She will never read my mind, otherwise. Telling her what I exactly want to say is more than valuable, how much more if it sells.
1 person likes this
@tatzkie23 (770)
• Philippines
2 Jan 12
Maybe that puppy just want to have a phone call. Just kidding. Since the puppy chewed your phone, you could just tell that to your friend, it's up to your friend is he's going to replace it or not. It's not your fault that your phone got chewed. And you can't also blame the puppy.
@Monkeyrose (2840)
• Canada
2 Jan 12
yes for sure.. lol I'm not going to throw a hissy fit or unfriend the person if he doesnt agree to pay but I think I'm just going to ask anyways. I feel really bad too because the person who gave me the phone did so out of the kindness of his heart. he knew i lost my phone and he was helping me out. he gave me the better of the two phones he had. He's going to probably be upset when he hears that it was broken. I just got this phone a month ago.
1 person likes this
@tatzkie23 (770)
• Philippines
2 Jan 12
Now that's really sad, i hope the person who gave you the phone would understand. Accident happens sometime. I've noticed that you give importance to the things that is given to you. I like that. You feel guilty about chewing the phone, i mean losing the phone. LOL. You're a nice friend. hey, don't forget to tell me what happens when you tell your friends what happened. ok..
1 person likes this
@smacksman (6053)
•
2 Jan 12
Haha - snap!! We are looking after a friends puppy when she broke her arm badly and the puppy bit right through my mobile phone too!
She has loads of toys to chew as well as my hands (whew! - teeth like needles!) and yet she munched my mob!
Yes, ask for payment to replace your phone. It is a legitimate request.
Happy New Year.
@drannhh (15219)
• United States
7 Jan 12
It might be fair for you to ask, but on the other hand, it could cause hard feelings. If it was me I would not say anything about it. In addition to paying you, did they leave food for you to eat or did you have to buy your own? I assume they left dog food.
@dong88 (795)
• China
2 Jan 12
Hello! The dog mobile phone to eat, so, it's very surprising. The first time I've heard that. It's a pity that you cell phone. However, you do so will get a new cell phone. Ha ha!
In fact it's very expensive mobile phone unnecessary, that as long as good functional.
Happy every day!
1 person likes this
@dheckerz (473)
• Philippines
3 Jan 12
Hi Monkeyrose, That is sad to know but for me since you got paid for what you do, I don't think its right to ask for replacement. Maybe you can tell your friend about what happened and its up for them if they will offer to replace it or maybe give you additional money for it, but asking them to pay/replace it is a No..No for me. It's a personal stuff, so whatever happens to it, the owner is solely responsible for it. Just my two cents. =)
@rollylolly (2843)
• India
2 Jan 12
I think you should relate the story to your friend when he comes and tell him how difficult it will be for you now to get a new one . It is not the fault of your friend but since his dog did it I think he will pay you some money to get another cell phone .
Happy New Year
1 person likes this
@Bluedoll (16773)
• Canada
2 Jan 12
Are you familiar with Judge Judy? Anyway, I think people are only liable if they damage your property due to neglect or abuse. The dog is neither and since you are looking after the puppy, the one responsible. You could tell them about it or chew on the dogs toys/bone to get even. 
I started laughing when I read this and think you have a really good story to tell. Not laughing at you really sorry it happened but it is funny, a little funny?
I started laughing when I read this and think you have a really good story to tell. Not laughing at you really sorry it happened but it is funny, a little funny?1 person likes this
@baanadetto_yuki01 (71)
• Philippines
3 Jan 12
Hi.best not to ask for replacement, it might start a trouble since its your responsibility to keep your personal things to avoid situations like that. I suggest just try to open it but don't ever ever ask..and if your friend offer for replacement then that would be nice and if not, charge of experience..a friendly advice^_^
@ackyvatsal (39)
• India
3 Jan 12
I've heard dog eating homework , project papers, diaries! It is the first time I'm hearing that a dog chewed up off her cell phone. Well if you were there to look asked at the dog then it is totally your fault. Some dogs have a habit of chewing everything and you should have known if you were looking after. But as you know anything and happen anytime let this thing just go of.
In my opinion it is fair to ask your friend, or at least tell your friend about his dog nature. Let him be aware of what his dog has done . In this way you can in directly asking to do something . Ask them to not literally replace your phone but at least give you some compensation in the future.
You should definitely tell a friend about it after all he is just your friend is not a stranger or your boss that you're afraid.
@jpso138 (7851)
• Philippines
3 Jan 12
I really do not think if you have the right to demand for a replacement. After all, it is up to you to keep your phone in a safe place. As you have said, the dog has the manner of chewing up things. But I think you can simply tell your friend that your phone has been damaged by the dog and see if they will offer something for such. I hope that they will consider and provide you a replacement.
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
2 Jan 12
hi monkeyrose as they got you to house and dog sit for peanuts,if their dog ruined your cellphone I feel they must get you a
comparable phone.You were doing them a big favorite as
housesitters and dog sitters usually charge a lot more . I
would tell them what happened and say you cannot go without
a cellphone, I believe they will offer to replace or
should anyway.ask right out of course.Sp I do think its fair
of you to ask and expect to have this made right.
@trisha27 (3494)
• United States
3 Jan 12
Yes, I think that you should have your friend pay for the cell phone that his puppy broke. It isn't your fault that his dog got into whatever and chewed up your cell phone. So, because of the damages, you should have them pay for it. Not for the $100 or $200 dollars that you are asking for, but for the amount that you paid for your cell phone. Because it just wouldn't be fair that you make them pay for a new cell phone. This from watching a lot of court shows lol. But yeah, I'd ask them, they should offer to pay for that phone if they already know of the incident. I know I would if my dog chewed up one of my friends cell phone.
@RBBantiles (347)
• Philippines
2 Jan 12
I think your friend is obligated - in principle - to pay half of the cost of a replacement phone of the same quality/characteristics/brand. You pay the other half. His half is due to the fact that it's his dog, while your half is due to the fact that you should have been more careful, knowing he was a chewer since you have noticed earlier that he was chewing all those toiletries.
