AITAH for Asking My Best Friend to Pay for My Damaged Laptop After Her Dog Knocked It Over?

Accidents happen. But when someone else’s pet destroys your expensive belongings, who should pay? This AITAH scenario from Reddit has sparked a heated debate about responsibility, friendship, and where to draw the line.

Today, we’re diving into the details—and deciding whether this frustrated laptop owner is truly the villain.

The Backstory: A Friendly Visit Turns Disastrous

The original poster (we’ll call him Mark), a 32-year-old software developer, invited his best friend, Jenna, over for a movie night. Jenna brought her golden retriever, Buddy, because she didn’t want to leave him home alone for several hours.

Mark didn’t mind—Buddy had visited before without incident. But this time, things went differently.

While Mark was in the kitchen making popcorn, Buddy jumped onto the coffee table to sniff around. In the process, he knocked over Mark’s open, brand-new laptop. It hit the hardwood floor and cracked the screen so badly that the repair estimate came back at over $700.

The Request: Asking for Compensation

Mark was upset but tried to keep the conversation calm. He explained the damage and shared the repair quote. Then he asked Jenna if she would be willing to cover part or all of the repair costs since it was her dog who caused the accident.

Jenna was shocked. She apologized profusely but said she didn’t think she should have to pay. In her words:

• “He’s a dog—he doesn’t know better.”

• “You knew I was bringing him over.”

• “You could have closed the laptop or put it away.”

Mark argued that he shouldn’t have to anticipate that a visiting dog would jump on tables and break things. Jenna countered that, as the host, he should have made his home “dog-proof.”

They left the conversation unresolved, and now things between them are tense.

Reddit Reacts: Who’s Responsible?

The r/AITAH community weighed in, and as usual, opinions were split.

Why Many Sided with Mark

• Dog Owners Are Liable: Most commenters pointed out that, legally and ethically, pet owners are responsible for any damage their animals cause, especially in someone else’s home.

• Predictable Behavior: Even though Buddy hadn’t jumped on tables before, dogs are unpredictable. Jenna chose to bring her dog, so she should accept the risk.

• Host Doesn’t Assume All Risk: Just because Mark welcomed Buddy doesn’t mean he agreed to bear the cost of damages.

One top comment read:
“If my kid broke something, I’d pay for it. A dog is no different.”

Why Some Blamed Mark

A minority of commenters argued that Mark shared some responsibility:

• Laptop Placement: Leaving a valuable laptop open and unattended on a coffee table in a home with an energetic dog was asking for trouble.

• Prior Visits: Since Buddy had visited before, Mark knew there was a chance of accidents.

• Unspoken Expectations: Jenna may have assumed Mark was comfortable with Buddy’s behavior since he’d been welcomed before.

Still, even those who sympathized with Jenna generally agreed she should have at least offered to split the cost.

The Bigger Picture: Pets and Accountability

This situation reveals a broader issue—how pet owners and hosts navigate shared spaces. When an animal causes damage, everyone tends to point fingers.

Here are a few principles many commenters agreed on:

• If you bring a pet into someone’s home, you’re responsible for their actions.

• If you’re hosting, it’s smart to secure valuables.

• Open communication and clear expectations can prevent misunderstandings.

What Could Have Been Done Differently?

To avoid situations like this, consider these steps:

For Pet Owners:

• Never assume your pet won’t misbehave in a new environment.

• Offer to pay for any damage without being asked.

• Consider leaving your pet at home if you can.

For Hosts:

• Secure or move valuables out of reach before guests (and their animals) arrive.

• Be explicit about house rules for pets.

So, Is Mark the Villain?

Most of Reddit agreed: No, he’s not.

Asking Jenna to cover the repair costs was fair and reasonable. While Mark could have been more cautious, that doesn’t absolve Jenna of her responsibility as Buddy’s owner.

Friendships can withstand awkward situations—but only if both parties are willing to take accountability.