I am asuming that they think it will be too warm for the chow. Bathroom heaters can be turned off and it becomes a nice cool area. The compressor is most likly hurting his ears they tend to have a high pitch.(hubbies drives me crazy for his airbrushing of his Work) Merlin even wants outside when it kiccks on.
Does the family have a garage or inclsed car port its better than the shelter Chows don't get a fair break at them. Good luck and if none of these work post him on the rescue area we always seem to save them and find homes.