[Sophia M.]

Front Porch Forum: “Should I offer to pay for damage my dog didn’t cause just to keep the peace?” (10/25/2025)​

Image source: Unsplash/Tim Cooper

Pull up a seat, GrayViners. “The Dog and the Neighbor’s Fence” is caught in a dilemma between fairness and friendship. What would you do if doing the “right thing” meant paying for something you didn’t do—just to keep the peace next door?

Dear TGV,

I live in a quiet neighborhood where everyone waves and minds their business, or at least that’s how it used to be. Last month, my neighbor knocked on my door furious because part of her wooden fence had been damaged. She claimed my dog, Benny, did it. She said she saw him digging and “ramming the boards.”

Benny’s a small terrier. Sweet as can be. There’s no way he could break a fence. But she wouldn’t hear it. She demanded that I pay half the cost of repairs. I told her I didn’t think Benny was the culprit. Since then, she’s been cold. She stopped saying hello, and I noticed she glares when I’m out watering the plants.

Part of me wants to just pay to smooth things over. The other part says it’s unfair to take blame for something I didn’t do. We used to share coffee and chat about our grandchildren. Now there’s a wall between us, both literal and emotional.

Is keeping peace worth paying for a problem I didn’t cause?

Yours,
The Dog and the Neighbor’s Fence

What do you think, GrayViners? Have you ever faced a neighborly standoff where doing the “right thing” didn’t feel right at all? Would you pay to fix the fence—or let pride stand its ground? Share your thoughts below—and if you’ve got a story or question of your own, start a new conversation here.

 

[tennis]

Do you have a therory about how the fence got damaged? Does she have a bigger dog, who could have done it? If not how did it get done?Maybe reason it out with her.

 

[Gayle B.]

I have a feeling that if you pay half of the bill, she will bother you first whenever there is a problem with her fence. I don’t normally think this way. It might just be that I’m in a mood of sorts today.

 

[Gringy59]

Well, I wouldn't unless I was wealthy. Just to keep the good feeling. It's hard having a problem with neighbors. Good luck!