Aww, he is a cutie. I always tease dh about getting a blood hound or beagle just because of the way I like how they talk and howl. He says "no way!". Yikes, I hope she's surprised in a good way...it sounds like they already have a busy house. I would like to see her face when she sees her present! Maybe you can take a picture for us! :) I think it would be really fun to get a new pet as a present.
Our house will be upended for the next few days too, MIL is bringing her sweet cat but OUR two cats do not like having their space invaded. All three of them hiss at each other the whole time and otherwise our cats hide in the closet. It really stresses them out (and me because I don't like to see them so uncomfortable in their own house).
Sounds like you will be very busy and hopefully it will make the time fly by for you!