Medication Mistake Killed My Dog + $80K Kitchen Horror Story (Worcester, MA)

This podcast’s goal is to educate homeowners through submitted “homeowner horror stories.” Mikki shares a personal warning after her English mastiff, Optimus Prime, died from a drug interaction: carprofen and progesterone were prescribed together, leading to a catastrophic GI bleed, and she urges viewers to verify medication interactions and pursue accountability through reporting and complaints. The episode then covers a Massachusetts kitchen remodel disaster: a homeowner hired a contractor from a mailbox flyer, paid half up front without a written contract, faced unlicensed electrical work that failed inspection, erratic scheduling, long disappearances, and ballooning costs, ultimately spending about $80,000 after hiring a licensed company to finish properly and learning to verify licensing, get everything in writing, and protect themselves contractually.00:00 Welcome and New Setup00:31 What the Podcast Does02:22 A Personal Story Begins03:05 Optimus Prime and Mastiffs07:35 The Medication Mix-Up13:18 Aftermath and Accountability20:28 Transition to Horror Stories20:57 Worcester and Budget Reality25:49 COVID Prices and Greed28:29 Red Flags With the Contractor29:58 Demo Fast Then Stalls31:06 Permits Licensing and Chaos32:33 Wicked Stressed Realization32:54 Calling the Inspector33:55 Electrical Work Fails34:27 Costs Spiral and Disappear34:58 Contractor Vanishes Six Weeks35:30 Feeling Lost and Ashamed36:00 Why Homeowners Don't Know40:50 Consumer Affairs Game Plan43:17 Firing the Contractor43:54 Airbnb Side Quest Chaos46:51 Hiring a Licensed Remodeler48:17 Final Bill and Lessons49:26 How to Vet Contractors50:52 Facebook Recs Ask for Photos53:27 Contracts Protect Homeowners54:42 Wrap Up and Where to Find Us