I totally understand your concerns as i have very similar problem, i am being put into inpatient neuro psychiatric rehab for up to 6 months and am looking for a solution of who will care for my gerbils! neighbours say they will but have small feisty dogs, so does my friend, i am considering asking the local pet shop or vet if they would care for them till i come out for a small fee, the other option may be to lease them out to a local primary school or childrens centre as they are used to small children in large numbers as they used to go to nursery with me each morning! I understand your dog will need much more care than two gerbils do, but if she is a good pet who knows your local pet shop may be willing to let her live there for a while.