I don't think it would be fair to the dog. You mentioned the person has 'always wanted one'; has he ever had a dog before? His circumstances don't sound like the best conditions to learn how to take care of one. And even basic annual shots and checkup can run over $200, depending on the local...
I've often wondered if crews have wagers or games based on screw-ups. For example, calling a Truck a 'car' costs you $5 in a season-long pot; guy who makes the fewest mistakes wins all.