Assuming they are friends, and you want to keep them as friends, then I would try to work out an equitable payment schedule. If that fails, then see if they have something to offer as a barter for the time/effort you have invested. If neither of those options works, then you could go to small claims court.
I would save that as a last resort, as it will most likely end any friendship. You can find more info about Nevada small claims court here: consumeraffairs.com/consumerism/small_nv... Regardless of which way you go, you should NOT take it upon yourself to ransack their property. Also, don't take it out on the dogs.
Remember, they don't have thumbs and the situation is beyond their control.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.