My Mother-in-Law Demanded $600 for Taking Care of Our Dog While I Was in Labor – I Agreed, But Only on One Condition

A few days before I went into labor, I asked my husband, Jake, to make sure someone would take care of our dog, Rich.

He told me not to worry—his mom, Abigail, would handle it.

Labor was tough. Painful, exhausting… but the moment I held our baby boy in my arms, everything felt worth it.

When we got home—completely worn out but overjoyed—I found a note sitting on the kitchen table. It wasn’t the warm “Welcome Home” message I had been hoping for.

Instead, it read:
“You owe me $600 for feeding and walking Rich. My time costs money. You have my bank details.”

At first, I thought it was some kind of joke.
It wasn’t. She was absolutely serious.

A week later, Abigail came over to visit the baby. The very first thing out of her mouth?

“So, Doris, when can I expect my money? I’ve waited long enough.”

I smiled sweetly and said,
“Of course, Abigail. I’ll pay you… BUT ONLY ON ONE CONDITION.”

— “Condition? What condition?” she asked.

I walked over to the desk and pulled out a folder I’d prepared earlier. I had spent the past few days compiling a detailed list of every favor and expense Jake and I had covered for her over the years.

Every single act of help, every dollar—excluding gifts—was documented, plain and clear.

— “Since you’re billing us for your time,” I said, opening the folder,
“I figured it’s only fair we do the same.”

I slid the folder across the table.

Abigail leaned in, her expression full of suspicion.
— “What is this?” she asked.

— “You can think of it as an itemized invoice,” I replied. “You know, like professionals do.”

She grabbed the paper and started reading.

— “Let’s see,” I said, tapping on the sheet. “Helping you move last year? That’s $800—way cheaper than professional movers. Consider it a family discount. Then, there’s the time we paid for your car repair when your transmission blew out. That was $1,200. Oh, and the free babysitting I did for your neighbor’s kids at your request? That’s around $600.”

Abigail’s face turned red.
— “This is ridiculous! You can’t charge me for things families do for each other!”

— “Exactly,” I replied sharply. “Families help each other without expecting payment. At least, that’s what I thought.”

She stammered,
— “But… this is different! I had to rearrange my whole schedule to take care of Rich!”

— “And I had to rearrange my entire life to bring your grandchild into the world,” I answered, shrugging.
“So if we’re talking fair compensation… I think we’re more than even.”

Abigail stood there for a moment, staring at me like she couldn’t believe what she’d just heard. Then, without another word, she turned on her heel and stormed out, slamming the door behind her.

Jake, who had been watching everything silently from the kitchen, walked over and smiled.

— “No one messes with my wife,” he said, wrapping his arms around me and kissing my cheek.

— “You got that right,” I replied with a grin.

Rich trotted over, tail wagging, and rested his head on my knee. I scratched behind his ears as I looked down at the little bundle in my arms.

Right then, I felt peace.

Abigail might not have learned her lesson…
but she definitely wouldn’t be bothering us about that $600 again.

And if she ever did?

Well, I still had the folder.

Let her try me.