What a terrible situation to be in but you are so lucky that your in laws are a ready made good home for Tuppence.
Don't forget you don't have to own a cocker to be part of the community of cockersonline. You literally would not believe the amount of love and support you will find on this lovely forum - Although I have 4 dogs, I no longer have my beloved cockers yet I still come on here every day and have done so for many years.
COL helped me through the death of my beloved mum, the loss of my 2 cockers and many other daily trials and tribulations.
I really hope that you will keep coming on here just for a chat from time to time, or for advice on anything. You will find someone on here either knows the answer or will point you in the right direction of someone who knows the answer to literally anything.
Please take care of yourself and hope Tuppence's op goes well. I am sure she will be happy with your in laws and as others have said you can go and visit her and keep up to date with her progress.