Help! What would you do? LONG...

Yes, I would get an area for the doggies outside while the kids are there.

Darla - don't be sorry you created this thread. I think it's been really valuable - at least for me. Denise I love what you said about not loving pets less, but loving people more. I'm about to move to a smaller city and if I found I had to give up my dog for my new job I wouldn't do it - but I have not (thank god) just suffered such an awful family tragedy as you have, Darla. I can't even imagine what I would do in that particular situation and I hope I never have to find out. I know that any time I see someone say they're giving up their dog I have an automatic negative reaction... but it's important to consider the bigger picture and have a little compassion. I'm glad you found good homes for your pups. Good luck and let us know how things work out with your daycare and your family.

Im' jumping in here late, and I see you've already made your decision.
 
I agree with Lizziecollie and I disagree that it woudl be  a terrible cruel thing to rehome dogs.
 
Sometimes situations call for a change of plans, and if I had to choose my children over my dogs- well, it's obvious for me what the answer would be.
 
I showed dogs in conformation and also bred a few special litters.  I know where everyone of my pups are. I rehomed my finished show dogs and any juveniles that hadn't quite made the show cut.  It's not an easy thing to rehome dogs (emotionally) but it's not difficult to get references, do home checks, and put them on pet contracts.
 
If I were you heidandseek, I'd feel confident that you've made the right decision- and your dogs all seem to be in great homes- your sister and neighbor? what could be better than that?
 
I miss all of the dogs I've placed, but with regular updates from many of them, I can see they are very happy as well.