The charge for $481 appeared on Miss Gallagher's bill on January 2nd.
This delay was due to the holiday.
Other Contributions to Dog's Healthcare
Judge Judy asked Paula if anyone else contributed to Kenzie's healthcare.
Paula initially said, "I did."
Judge Judy clarified, "Other than you."
Paula then answered, "No."
Miss Gallagher was the only person other than Paula who contributed.
Miss Gallagher paid $481 worth of bills.
Paula mentioned she paid $60 that was applied to that bill.
Subsequent Vet Visits
Paula explained that Kenzie needed more tests after the initial ones.
The first vet recommended an ultrasound.
Paula called the pound for referrals.
She found another vet who worked with non-profits.
This second vet agreed to take Paula's insurance.
Kenzie was diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease.
Paula stated Kenzie was very sick.
The Text Message Evidence
Miss Gallagher presented a text message.
She sent it to Paula on January 29th.
The text asked Paula to pay back the money.
Paula's response was, "I will when I get the money. Are you okay?"
Miss Gallagher confirmed this text was from Paula's phone.
Paula denied the text message was from her phone.
Judge Judy stated, "Yes, it is."
The Witness Testimony
Paula brought a witness named Arlene.
Arlene claimed Miss Gallagher made a statement on the day Kenzie died.
Kenzie passed away on February 17th.
Arlene testified that Miss Gallagher said, "Paula, I love Kenzie. You don't have to pay me any money. It's a gift. It's a gift."
This statement was allegedly made at Paula's home after Kenzie died.
Paula also claimed Miss Gallagher said it to her as well.
Judge Judy's Assessment of the Text Message
Judge Judy focused on the text message from January 29th.
She reiterated Paula's words: "I will pay you back as soon as I get the money."
Judge Judy stated that this is what Paula said to Miss Gallagher.
She acknowledged that the dog died in February.
Everyone was emotional in February.
However, the text message was from January.
The Defendant's Denial of the Text
Paula continued to deny the authenticity of the text message.
She claimed everything Miss Gallagher said about insurance and getting paid was untrue.
Paula insisted the text was not from her phone.
The Verdict
Judge Judy ruled in favor of Miss Gallagher.
She found that Paula owed Miss Gallagher $481.
Judge Judy dismissed Paula's counterclaim.
She did not allow Paula's witness, Arlene, to speak further about the alleged gift.
Post-Verdict Reactions
Miss Gallagher expressed that it was a loan from the beginning.
She could not believe Paula tried to turn it into a donation.
Paula maintained her witness heard Miss Gallagher say it was a donation.
Paula also mentioned the slander, harassment, and bullying she experienced.
She referred to Miss Gallagher's alleged threat to her life.
Miss Gallagher countered that it was an empty threat.
She said she was upset because Paula refused to pay her.
Miss Gallagher regretted not following her first instinct.
She claimed Paula has a reputation in town for not working.
Miss Gallagher suggested Paula tries to take money from people.