Our story has a happy ending, fortunately.
Cupcake, my boerboel, has wonderful owners. I get regular updates, and even photographs. She is the only dog on the property, which she prefers, lives in a female-only home (men make her nervous), and sleeps inside as she is used to.
Storm, the german shepherd lives with a teacher and his family, and she has become firmly attached to them, especially the man of the house. She is very active, gets to swim in the pool whenever she wants, and also sleeps inside. Her new owner is impressed with her intelligence, says she swims like a human not a dog, and she has already cornered two intruders in the garden without biting them.
Our two cats, Misty and Cleo have settled down with my stepdaughter.
So we are content now that we have done the right thing.
I have tried to insert a photo of Cupcake but am not succeeding. If someone can talk me through it, I will post a photo.