My question involves collection proceedings in the State of: Virginia
I pet sat for a former co-worker of mine. I told her and I have the text that I charge $35 a day to take care of 2 dogs. That is very inexpensive for two dogs. I told her I stay at people's houses. I never said I stay at the house all day long. On a Tuesday one of my days off she texted me she was upset with how long the dogs were being left home alone ( I was taking care of errands on my day off). I had checked on them 3 different times and had walked the one dog I was supposed to walk twice. I explained to her that it was a misunderstanding and that I didn't realize I needed to be there all day and that I thought the dogs were fine (they were). I have pet sat for numerous clients and they have been beyond happy with my services of walking them and letting them out. I have never been expected to be there all day. She said (through text) she was sorry for the misunderstanding as well. I asked her if she wanted me to drop them off at a doggy daycare that she had used before. She said no; she hadn't budgeted for that and it was be more expensive. I told her I would be over there more the next day (my second day off) even though I am not a fan of just sitting around.
The following day I was there from 10 am -4 pm and I walked her dog on two 45 minute walks. The following morning I walked the dog on another 45 minute walk and went to work at the time I needed to leave. That evening she tells me she got a flight home and is coming home early (2 days earlier). No prior warning or discussion. She asked me through text how much she owed me. I said $195. I took a friend with me to her house to get my things and the check because at this point I think she is mentally off her rocker. My friend sees her write the check and leave it on the counter. It is signed to me and in the area for what the check is for it says pet sitting.
The next day we have an argument over the phone and I blocked her from all forms of contact. I already deposited the check and never thought shed stopped payment on it. A week later she stops payment on my check that had already been deposited into my checking. It took the money back out a week later. I then emailed her and she said she had called and texted me (which I did not get). I tell her she still owes me the money. I was at her house for 5 days and took more than adequate care of them. She is refusing to pay me.
I plan on taking her to small claims court. With the text of her saying is check fine and the friend that I have that was there when she wrote a check do I have a clear case in small claims court? I told her even if she paid me just minimum wage for every hour I was at her house I deserve the amount the original check was for. $195.
I know I should have taken the check to her bank but I never knew she would have acted this crazy.

