FULL VIDEO AT THE END OF THIS POST
THIS FRIENDSHIP ENDED OVER A SICK DOG!
A Friend's Plea for a Sick Dog
Imagine your pet is gravely ill.
You have no money for the vet.
What do you do?
This is the situation that brings two former friends to Judge Judy's courtroom.
The Plaintiff Seeks Repayment for Vet Bills and Pet Sitting
Amy Hannah is the plaintiff.
She is suing her former friend, Tara Olson.
Amy claims Tara owes her money.
This money is for emergency vet bills for Tara's dog, Missy.
Amy also claims Tara owes her for pet sitting services.
They met at church around 2013.
Missy's Mysterious Illness
Amy explains how the situation began.
On November 20, Tara posted on social media.
Her dog, Missy, had been vomiting for five days.
Missy was not keeping any food down.
Tara asked for prayers.
Amy immediately called Tara.
She suggested Tara take Missy to UC Davis.
Judge Judy asks Amy what Tara said.
Amy recalls Tara saying, "What's wrong with your dog?"
Tara then explained Missy was throwing up.
Missy was sick and losing weight.
Tara did not know what was happening.
Amy told Tara they needed to take Missy to a vet.
Tara responded that she did not have the money.
Amy offered her credit card.
She suggested Tara could use it at a 24-hour vet clinic.
Tara said she would not do that.
Judge Judy pressed Tara on this point.
Tara insisted she said no to using the card.
Amy stated Tara needed to take the dog in.
Tara again said no.
Pressure to Get Missy Help
Tara described feeling pressured by Amy.
Amy kept insisting they needed to do this.
Amy said she did not mind putting it on her card.
She urged Tara to take the dog in.
Amy even suggested Tara call her boss to take time off work.
Tara eventually agreed.
Amy then told Tara to call the vet.
They would make an appointment.
Amy would put it on her card.
They took Missy to the first clinic.
It was closed.
Amy called a second clinic.
They got Missy in later that afternoon.
A Dangerous Discovery
At the second clinic, tests were run.
Something was found in Missy's stomach.
The vet recommended transferring Missy to Mueller pet emergency clinic.
Emergency surgery was needed.
Tara stated she paid $249.20 cash at the first clinic.
She knew she could not afford the surgery.
Amy testified that Tara asked her to pay.
Tara told Amy she could pay her back.
Tara said she was doing well at her new job.
Tara shared details about Missy.
Missy was about six and a half months old.
Tara got her at three months old from Craigslist for $350.
She took Missy to Yolo County SPCA for shots.
The Cause of Missy's Illness
Tara revealed what was in Missy's stomach.
It was an accumulation of bone fragments.
These had turned into a cement-like sludge.
The bones were smoked cow bones from Petco.
Tara explained that these bones dry out.
Fragments break off.
Missy had been swallowing little pieces over months.
This sludge prevented her from swallowing food.
Tara expressed her surprise at the danger.
She said Petco should post a warning.
She has not given bones to her dogs since.
The Cost of Saving Missy
The bill at the second facility for surgery was about $3,000.
Amy put this on her credit card.
Amy even increased her CareCredit limit in the waiting room.
Amy confirmed the exact vet bill was $3,103.82.
A $2,000 deposit was required upfront.
The balance of $1,103.82 was paid upon discharge.