Living with boyfriend's parents. What is appropreate?

**carc138** · 08-08-2010 06:26 PM

I have been living with my boyfriend and his family for a few months and have been in a very serious relationship with him for over 2 years. They recently got a puppy and have asked me to watch it often (I work from 3pm on and am around in the mornings). Watching the puppy means I sit on the floor and play with it, feed it, take it out, walk it. They do not make me pay any rent or give them food money. At first, his mom MADE me accept money for watching the puppy and then one day she just stopped paying me all together. She now expects me to watch the puppy every time she goes out.

I should mention that I don't just mope around the house all day, I am very active. I clean the kitchen, do work, work out, and hang out with my boyfriend who is there too.

The question here is, since I am living here for free do I watch the puppy for free?

Thank you!

**jns** · 08-08-2010 07:27 PM

If you want to have a good relationship with his parents, probably yes. You are now one of the family, so you are no longer getting paid. But you are still getting plenty of benefits.

**hizenberg** · 08-09-2010 04:52 AM

i agree with what is said above,you stay their rent free,and get free food, so i cant see why you should be paid, as said above you are part of the family now !! and that is a awesome thing esp when you love your man,
if you cant do it somtimes,say so, ah dont you just love 'in laws'!! lol
good luck with the puppy preschool darl!! he he jk

**caterpillar79** · 08-26-2010 01:14 PM

Is there any reason why you and your partner couldn't live on your own?

As for the puppy, you are part of the family now (sort if), and live there for free inclusive of food, no utility bills, you watching the puppy is actually not a burden. You don't have to get paid, just think of it as 'getting along with the in-laws' and showing them your appreciation.

**Jayla2251** · 09-10-2010 02:13 PM

Well I agree that you should help with watching the puppy.

Okay, I am a dog person and this subject ircks me sometimes. First off, it is HER responsibility. Puppies are cute, but they can live 10-15 years and it's a serious commitment. Time and money. Lots of it. If it's the families puppy, that is a little differant, but this all should have been figured out before bringing home an addition to the family! Who would watch it, feed it, whose responsibility lies where. Also, how she expects it, and doesnt simply ask? That's a little unsettling.

Has she never heard of a crate? My dogs spend the day at home, I dont expect myself or anyone else to stop living their lives/work to stay home and hang out with them.

If it were me, I would stop it. At least it be on my terms. If you want me to watch the pup, you need to ask me, and it has to be agreed on both sides. If I have something I'm doing, I'm sorry I can't do it today. I charge my family to watch their dogs! The world now has these great things called kennels and boarding, and even doggy day care! Pay them if you'd like.

And if her son is there too, why doesnt she ask him to watch it? Why is it only you?

I'm just getting that dogs are not cute toys that come with no burden, they are a big responsibility and are a part of everyday life. They cost money, and they take time. If you cannot handle that, then please dont bring one home. Thousands die everyday because of stupid stupid things.