It's gonna be a rough few months.....

[ketters12]

Not many know me personally but I really need some advice or maybe just reassurance for my situation.

I am 28 and the proud owner of my little man Tobey who is going to be 2 in December. I work full time as a social worker, but last July decided to go to Cosmetology school part time in the evenings and Saturdays. This worked fine because my husband was in college and therefore home at times during the day between classes and such, and also in the evenings when I had school.

My problem is that my husband moved out over Labor Day weekend (his decision) I learned about the news in July and froze my hours (stopped going) at school. So for the past few months it has just been me and Tobey. I already have noticed more anxiety in him- maybe because Jon is gone?? He currently has to be alone Monday-Friday from about 8:30am-5:30pm.

The complicated part and the part that I am most worried about is that I HAVE to finish school. I have about 1,100 hours done out of a 1,500 hour program plus my aunt paid the tuition in full for me so I would be stupid not to finish. I called the school and committed to coming back the first week of November. This will mean that Tuesdays- Thursdays I will be gone from 8:30am- 9:45pm. Over 13 hours!! AND most Saturdays from 8am-5pm.

Now I know LOTS of people post about being worried about leaving their little ones home alone for long hours. I've left him before and I know he will survive. However, I haven't ever had to do it for more than a day or two at once. (it will probably take me good 4 months to finish) My worry is that since this won't be just a "once and a while" type thing, that he will develop more issues being left alone so much. I don't know my neighbors, I can't afford doggy day care or to pay someone to come over and such. Luckily he is potty pad trained. He had access to most of the house- kitchen, living room, and then a few others if I leave the doors open. He doesn't cause any damage thank goodness!!

Ideas for me?? I am worried that he will develop issues because he won't have time to play outside as much and go for walks- therefore expending his energy. Obviously it is only short term. I usually only take him for walks after work, do you think a morning walk would help? He seems to have ENDLESS energy no matter how much he runs in the back yard or how long I walk him....

[MyDuke]

Hey, sorry to hear about your situation, I leave mine alone while i'm at work but havent seen any anxiety issues in Duke yet so I can't really offer any advice, I hope someone can help you.
Also, I'm a social worker as well and it's unfortunate that we do not get pay well enough that most of us have to get a second job (side note).

Good luck.

[phfgkl]

The good thing is he is trained to pee pads...Dogs are funny, he may resort to peeing in the house because he's mad, or he may not..My suggestion would be to leave the t.v. on for him..Dogs adjust, and he'll be fine...just make sure he's got plenty of toys and the t.v going for him..also make sure you have a light on somewhere for when it gets dark, and then when you get home, smother him with lots of love..Sorry you're having such a hard time..things will get better

[Yorkieluv]

I'm so sorry about your situation. Hopefully, he'll transition smoothly into this short-term change in schedules. Can you go home for lunch on some days?
Make sure he has plenty of things to chew on and play with while you're gone, although he'll probably just sleep most of the time. Like the previous poster said, maybe you could leave on the t.v. on some days and the radio other days.
Do you have any family that could stop in and check in on him sometimes?
Morning walks would be good for him and also after school.

[RRC]

I think my Jazz is happier since we got Mo, our chi-pom. They keep each other company. Is there anyway you could adopt a small brother or sister from a shelter? There are tons of homeless dogs out there now, and truly, to me, having 2 is no harder than one.

Good luck with school. I am working more than I used to and hate leaving my boys so much, so I can understand your concern.

[Jacklynn]

I was going to suggest adding a brother or sister, but someone beat me to it

[spr377]

Is there a neighborhood kid that you can trust to come and take him out, and play with him on your long days? Maybe there is someone that you could barter with.....reciprocate with their pet when you are done school? Good luck!!

[MeganS]

[you don't have to answer] but is his daddy out of the picture completley? Cause if not, maybe you could work it out so Tobey could stay with him during the day and you could swing by and pick him up on your way home? If not, maybe you have a neighbor or a kid in the neighborhood who could stop in and check on him a few times?

I hope it all works out for you! I'm sure it will!

[romeos mommy]

I sympathize with you. I have the same problem. My york is alone too long due to my crazy work hours and long commute. I have to get a daily dog walker or take him to my Mom's for the day.

Maybe a friend or relative can dog sit? Many older people may enjoy the company. I would suggest a dog walker if you can't find someone to hang with him.

[Hooks_Yorkie]

I don't know if it is the same where you live, but when I was working a lot of hours for school and my other dog had separation issues and I couldn't afford it. I spoke to one of the doggie day cares and worked out a payment plan.... It may not work, but there is always a chance that it could.

On a side note. I was thinking about skipping law school and becoming a social worker. I think I would love it even more than being a lawyer....... in the end its worth it right?

[peanut]

I am sorry about your situation, but maybe you can get a play mate for him, or hire someone that you trust to come walk him when your gone for the long days. Good Luck and hang in there

[NewYorkieLover]

I'm sorry you're going through a rough time. I know it's a long time to leave your Tobey home alone. I also was wondering if his daddy could stop by for a visit and a walk, perhaps.

I was thinking tonight how much our puppies love us, no matter what. It won't be fun while you're going through it, but those 4 months will pass quickly and I'm sure Tobey will be just fine when it's over - and happy to have you home more.

Lots of love and attention when you are home should help things go more smoothly.

Good luck!

[PANAMA69]

Maybe few days a week to doggy day care will help too

[Babz]

I don't know if I can help you with ideas, but I just want to say I'm sorry for your problems.

[Misti1]

I'm hoping a YT member in Alton, Illinois will step up and offer you some real help which would be home care with their yorkie while you are going through this.

I know the major emphasis in this post was on your yorkie, but I'm concerned about YOU too. I've been through a husband coming and going, and wasn't trying to work full time AND go to beauty school, AND raise a yorkie (but I was raising a skin kid) How you are even able to type is a testimony to your will power.