You're excused.
Any reason other than unforseen health issues with his children isn't really valid IMO i.e. my child is deathly allergic elmo.
There are homeless people who manage to put their elmos high on the list of priorities, and they have neither home nor money.
Things I (and everyone should) consider before getting an elmo:
Will I for the next 10-15 years have the space/time/money for this animal? If not, who can take care of it for me for the period of time it takes for me to get on my feet again, assuming something happens? Nobody - ok, then no to the purchase of the animal.
It's really as simple as that. In my case, I'd have to be dead or dying before I'd give up my elmos to anyone. Even then, I've already made agreements with one of my ex's and family members that if anything terrible happens to me, they've willingly agreed to take my elmos for me, because they know how important they are to me.
Again, I hope he is able to find her a good home.