If your assignment is only for 6 months I would recommend leaving your pup with the grandparents.

I would recommend professional pet shipping companies. They will give you a schedule of what needs to be done with your vet and help you with the paperwork.

All dogs have to be quarantined for at least 30-days. You are allowed daily visits (M-F) but the time you can spend there and the hours vary and are limited. The quarantine area is your typical basic kennel and the vet-in-charge is usually quite professional. The concern is with the kennel attendants which can vary greatly. A friend's Yorkshire terrier was quite mentally scarred coming out of quarantine in the Beijing area back in 2006....

As for dog food, the usual Purina brands are easily available at larger local supermarkets and expat supermarkets. Specialty brands are harder to find depending on the city. Being imports, these foods are usually closer to the expiry date.