Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Bramble]

OP, it's really unfortunate that you didn't work all this out before moving in. Was there a misunderstanding, or did you move in knowing dogs weren't allowed and hoping to change your FIL's mind? If it's the latter, I think you were irresponsible for not making the terms of the arrangement clear ... OTOH, if he suddenly sprang the rule on you after letting you move in with your dog, he's the one who's being unreasonable and he can't really get angry with you for wanting to move out.

I'd say be diplomatic and try your best to persuade him to tolerate the dog ... but if that doesn't work, you should definitely go back to the one-room until you can afford your own place.

Did you adopt that dog who was advertised on the ARK board a while ago? (Lola, I think?) If so, that dog has already lost one family because her first family didn't plan far enough in advance. Don't put her through that again.

ETA: I posted this before I saw T-Dot's post. Of course if you can buy the apartment, that would be a great solution for everyone. I hope it works out.

[cj1976]

Why don't you buy a kennel? If it's only short-term then having the kennel will appease the old man and you can sneak the dog in when he's not around. Everyone's a winner.

[eslguyinsanbon]

CJ, the dog in question is a 50lb Bulldog. There's no "sneaking" in a kennel big enough to fit him in. We do have a kennel for him, but it's too big and too heavy to carry him in (we live on the 4th floor with no elevator).

[Ukon]

Discuss it with pops over some nice boshin tang

[Xuanzang]

That was totally uncalled for Ukon. eslguy you can try to buy him out but the best option would be to give the dog away. You don't want a resentful or spiteful father in law. Dogs can always be replaced but relations with your in laws can remain frosty til death (possibly theirs).

[gregoriomills]

OP
Which is more important to YOU? Your dog's well being (not ending up possibly being eaten in some Korean's soup) or your relationship with your Father in law?
He probably expects you to do what he wants since he's older and yall are living in Korea. I guess that's a drawback of marrying and staying in Korea.
Personal advice: never rent a place to live from your father in law, especially if he's Korean.

[peemil]

Launch the dog.

[Juregen]

[PatrickGHBusan]

[Gibberish]

A dog is just a dog, even in Korea, where a dog is just a dog and also delicious when smoked.

[mlh]

If I were you I'd try and figure out why specifically he didn't want the dog. Does he just not like dogs? Or is he afraid that your dog will damage the property?

If he's afraid of property damage maybe you can manage a compromise. Perhaps you could offer to give him a deposit or something and agree that if the dog damages the apartment you'll move out and pay for the repairs (and he'll have the deposit to ensure repair costs are covered). That way maybe he'd be willing to give your dog a test run and once he sees that your dog wont damage the apartment he'll be more willing to let you keep it.

That said if he wont budge I'd move back to the smaller apartment (or maybe you can get your school to give you a housing allowance instead and find a bigger place?).

Dogs aren't particularly well treated here, especially larger ones and finding another home for a 50lb bulldog would be very difficult here. I have a 50lb jindo-mix here that I rescued from the shelter and they were so happy when I took him because they told me how difficult it is to find larger dogs homes here.

I've seen how Koreans treat larger dogs here (usually leaving them chained up outside or in cages) and there's just no way after rescuing my dog I'd re-home him here in Korea. I just wouldn't trust he'd go to a good home and I agree that a pet is a commitment and you can't just get rid of the dog because he's no longer convenient.

Those that say a dog is just a dog and just get rid of him just don't get it. No a dog isn't a child but that doesn't mean a pet isn't a family member and I think its lame to dump pets because they complicate life a little.

[hellakitty]

Why would anyone ever get a 50 pound dog if they are living in a one bedroom apartment? The poor guy needs space!

Epic fail in planning ahead, OP.

[hellofaniceguy]

A man would move out. Period. A boy would complain.
Take care of your GF and the dog on your own. Suck it up and get a small place if need be. I would have nothing to do with the GF's dad ever again...he backed out on his word allowing the dog. Screw me once, shame on you....screw me twice, shame on me. The GF's dad will be giving you more problems that obviously you DO NOT see coming.

[PatrickGHBusan]

[djsmnc]