Nothing says that the dog barked for one night. I live on a street with a dog like this and he will bark all night off and on. All. Night. When his owner is not home. Which is often.
The LW, if in a condo or apartment, is in a very bad place with the neighbors. I would advise telling the entire truth about what happened, apologizing sincerely with restaurant gift certificates and a handwritten note, and promising and ensuring that the dog does not ever bark all night again. Even if it means no more three-week vacations, LW cannot do this again. It could be some kind of training would help, but that is for the LW to work on; it's not a guaranteed solution.
It's very sad that LW's friend's mother died, but the problem LW is trying to manage here is, they have horribly imposed on every one of their neighbors. The columnist does not seem to appreciate that.
Re: That Bad Advice
The LW, if in a condo or apartment, is in a very bad place with the neighbors. I would advise telling the entire truth about what happened, apologizing sincerely with restaurant gift certificates and a handwritten note, and promising and ensuring that the dog does not ever bark all night again. Even if it means no more three-week vacations, LW cannot do this again. It could be some kind of training would help, but that is for the LW to work on; it's not a guaranteed solution.
It's very sad that LW's friend's mother died, but the problem LW is trying to manage here is, they have horribly imposed on every one of their neighbors. The columnist does not seem to appreciate that.