If sued civilly, counter-claim for the costs of caring for the dog for three months.

Put a lock on the thermostat. So long as the heat is kept above the legal minimum, you may do so.

Retain counsel now. Use the Avvo search tool and/or your county bar association to find one.

Moving to family, as this is not really a legal issue.

The time to have acted on the dog bite was when it happened; not a year later. Follow Attorney Holcombe's advice regarding the fence.

The inlaws have no standing. They are, at best, well-meaning intermeddlers. The agreement is between you, and your son and daughter-in-law. What...

The female is, by your own admission, your negligent friend's dog. Note it seems to be your negligence as well that the pregnancy occurred. You...

Unless your apartment has been deemed uninhabitable, you have no basis to withhold rent.

Moving to debt collection. Take the agreement to an attorney to ascertain enforceability and, if viable, sue on it.

Your friend needs to retain counsel to prepare an estate plan, including the pet trust.