Hmm, that's a tough situation. Can she talk to the food company, and perhaps have the dog become a "spokesdog", in exchange for food? Or a local humane society might be able to sponsor the dog.

This might sound horrible, but was the husband in any associations, or have a good repetoire (sp?) with his job? Would they sponsor the dog in his memory?

Is there anything they can live without, to make sacrifices? Perhaps cutting off cable, or relying on just cell phones or just a house, not both? They could use that money towards the dog bills.

That's so hard, I feel sorry for her.