DEAR ABBY: My boyfriend, “Eli,” and I bought a beautiful white Labrador puppy, “Sasha,” two years ago. I live with him and my future father-in-law, “Harry,” at his father’s house. Eli’s father is basically a man-child. Harry feeds Sasha table scraps, and even though we have asked him to stop, he doesn’t. He laughs and says the food won’t hurt her. I think he is being very disrespectful.

The extra food is making Sasha gain weight. We are worried about her health, but Harry doesn’t care. We don’t have enough money to move out yet. Harry is home a lot during the day when my boyfriend and I are working. We pay all of Sasha’s vet and food bills. I’m not sure what to do about this. I would appreciate any advice you can give me. — PET PROJECT IN NEW YORK

DEAR PET PROJECT: If possible, start asking friends or relatives if they would be willing to have Sasha stay with them during the day while you and Eli are working. Obesity isn’t healthy for canines or humans, and regardless of Harry’s motivation, he should not be stuffing your puppy after you have asked him not to.

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Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.